DVD

While the material has been restored using the greatest care and state-of-the-art techniques, certain visual artefacts and distortions remain in some instances due to the age of the film. Despite this, it remains of exceptional musical interest and historic value and is released here for the first time on DVD. A great admirer of Schumann’s Second Symphony, Charles Munch programmed the work in four different Boston Symphony Orchestra seasons, taking it on tour on each occasion. He never recorded the symphony with the BSO nor with any other orchestra, which makes this exciting DVD a new addition to his discography. The ICA Classics Legacy series represents an historic account of performances by some of the world’s greatest artists. This DVD features some of the earliest televised concerts with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and their Music Director, Charles Munch.

Characteristically lively renditions, Charles Munch’s interpretations of both Mendelssohn Symphonies are energetic and precise with excellent articulation from the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Programmed by Munch during his years at the Boston Symphony but never recorded, his renderings of the two works featured on this DVD are exciting and spontaneous with the kind of precision and flair we have come to expect from the BSO under the buoyant direction of their charismatic Music Director.