DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH 1906-1975
Symphony No.1 in F minor
Symphony No.5 in D minor

Shostakovich’s Symphonies 1 and 5 stand as milestones in what is probably the most important symphonic canon of the 20th century. In live recordings Kurt Masur and the London Philharmonic Orchestra survey the First Symphony, which established the composer as a skilful symphonist, and the Fifth, which confirmed his status as one of the greatest artistic talents of his time.

SERGEI RACHMANINOV 1873-1943
The Isle of the Dead
Symphonic Dances

These live recordings capture some of the first fruits of Vladimir Jurowski’s celebrated relationship with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, an ensemble through which he has championed the music of Rachmaninov both at the Royal Festival Hall and at Glyndebourne. These accounts of two contrasting but equally gripping orchestral works mirror the freshness and immediacy of the Russian musician’s relationship with this great British orchestra.

EDWARD ELGAR 1857-1934
Introduction and Allegro

BENJAMIN BRITTEN 1913-1976
Our Hunting Fathers

EDWARD ELGAR 1857-1934
Enigma Variations

As Principal Conductor from 1967-1979, Bernard Haitink presided over some of the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s most memorable and exciting years. Live accounts of great British music by Elgar and Britten from the late 1970s and early 1980s capture the animation of this special relationship – one of the greatest in London’s musical history.

RICHARD WAGNER 1813-1883
Orchestral excerpts from Wagner operas:
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Rienzi, Götterdämmerung, Die Walküre, Tannhäuser

Wagner’s celebrated output for the opera house resulted not only in some staggering stage works, but also in unparalleled orchestral achievements. His operatic overtures, preludes and interludes have acquired a status as stand-alone concert works in their own right. Klaus Tennstedt was totally dedicated to the London Philharmonic Orchestra – a dedication which was reciprocated by the Orchestra’s musicians, staff and audiences, and which pervades these live performances from 1992.