Pierre Monteux in France: 1952-58 Concert Performances

While this collection contains many works that Monteux recorded commercially, it also offers several that are new to his discography. Concerning the former, pride of place must go to the Beethoven symphonies. Nineteen years of sitting in the principal violist's chair of the Colonne Orchestra resulted in multiple exposures to the standard repertoire, which Monteux, owing to his remarkable ear, came to know by heart. How much Monteux's interpretations were influenced by those of Edouard Colonne and his various guest conductors is difficult to say. Nevertheless, one can say that his own personal bonhomie made him ideally suited to the even-numbered Beethoven symphonies, which are usually considered less 'profound' than the odd-numbered ones. Certainly he captures perfectly the high spirits and bumptious humour of the Second Symphony, the impetuosity of the Seventh, the unbridled energy and unbuttoned humour of the Eighth, and the triumphant celebration of the brotherhood of mankind in the Ninth. Other notable interpretations here include Stravinsky's Petrushka and Sacre, both of which he had premiered.