Various Composers - Salzedo, Tchaikovsky, Delius, Grieg (Thomas Beecham)

Information

• Frederick Delius - Florida, Th.VI/1: II. By the River (Live at Royal Festival Hall, 04/24/1960)
• Edvard Grieg - Symphonic Dances, Op. 64: II. Allegretto grazioso (Live at Royal Festival Hall, 10/26/1954)
• Leonard Salzedo - The Witch Boy (Live at Royal Festival Hall, 11/14/1959)
• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29, TH 26 “Polish” (Live at Royal Festival Hall, 11/14/1959)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Thomas Beecham, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: SOMM Recordings

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SOMM Recordings presents the 36th volume in its critically acclaimed Beecham Collection, featuring live historic performances from legendary conductor Sir Thomas Beecham with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Restored by audio engineer Lani Spahr, the album includes two signature "lollipops"—Delius's "By the River" from the Florida Suite, captured at Beecham's final London concert in 1960, and Grieg’s Symphonic Dance No. 2 from 1954. The release also showcases a dynamic 1959 concert featuring scenes from Leonard Salzedo's ballet The Witch Boy alongside Tchaikovsky’s five-movement Symphony No. 3 ("Polish"), highlighting Beecham’s lifelong advocacy, commitment, and deep engagement with these orchestral masterworks.

Thomas Beecham (1879–1961) was a charismatic and influential British conductor known for his flair and controversy. Born into wealth, he initially studied composition but soon turned to conducting, largely self-taught. By his twenties, he was conducting professionally and founded several orchestras, including the Beecham Symphony and later the London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic. He also staged groundbreaking opera seasons and promoted works by composers like Delius, Strauss, and French Romantics. Despite financial setbacks, he maintained an international presence, conducting in Europe and America. His rich discography and lasting impact are preserved in numerous celebrated recordings.

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