Rudolf Kempe: Ein Heldenleben & Dvořák Symphony No. 9 – First DVD Release DVD

UPC: 5060244550094

Product Features

• Title: Ein Heldenleben by Richard Strauss & Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" by Antonín Dvořák
• Conductor: Rudolf Kempe
• Orchestras:
  • Richard Strauss - Ein Heldenleben: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Dvořák - Symphony No. 9 "From the New World": BBC Symphony Orchestra
• Recorded Performances:Format: DVD, NTSC, All Regions
  • Ein Heldenleben: Royal Albert Hall, London, 28 August 1974 (BBC Proms)
  • Dvořák's Symphony No. 9: Royal Albert Hall, London, 29 August 1975 (BBC Proms)
• Running Time: 89 minutes, 22 seconds
• Sound: LPCM Mono
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3
• Label: ICA Classics
• Release Year: 2011

Overview

This ICA Classics Legacy DVD presents two masterful performances by conductor Rudolf Kempe, leading two of the UK's most prominent orchestras—the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Recorded during the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall in the mid-1970s, these historic performances showcase Kempe's refined and authoritative interpretations of Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 "From the New World".

Kempe’s interpretation of Ein Heldenleben ("A Hero's Life") was highly praised, with critic Joan Chissell noting that it earned him a “hero’s ovation.” His ability to bring out the aristocratic grandeur of Strauss’s complex tone poem, combined with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s polished performance, made this a standout event at the 1974 Proms. Erich Gruenberg, as the concertmaster, delivers a stellar performance in the violin solos, embodying the heroic narrative of the work.

In his 1975 performance of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, Kempe offers an elegant and compelling rendition of this much-loved symphony. Conducting the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Kempe balances the folk-inspired melodies of Dvořák’s composition with a symphonic grandeur, highlighting both the emotional depth and technical brilliance of this iconic piece.

Repertoire

• Richard Strauss:

  • Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40 (47 minutes, 4 seconds)
  • Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Concertmaster: Erich Gruenberg

• Antonín Dvořák:

  • Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 "From the New World"
  • Movements:Orchestra: BBC Symphony Orchestra
    • Adagio – Allegro molto
    • Largo
    • Scherzo: Molto vivace
    • Allegro con fuoco
  • Concertmaster: Eli Goren
  • Running Time: 42 minutes, 14 seconds

Interesting Facts

• Rudolf Kempe was known for his deeply musical interpretations and elegant conducting style, often praised for his ability to bring out the inner subtleties of the music without showmanship.
• Ein Heldenleben, composed by Richard Strauss in 1898, is one of his most autobiographical tone poems, depicting a heroic narrative that parallels his own life as a composer.
• Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, also known as "From the New World", was inspired by Dvořák's experiences in America and is widely considered one of the greatest symphonic works ever composed. The Largo movement, with its famous English horn melody, has become one of the most beloved passages in classical music.

Publishers

• Label: ICA Classics
• Production: Licensed courtesy of BBC Worldwide
• Produced by: International Classical Artists Ltd

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