George Szell

[allegroamabile]

I am curious to read what users on the IMSLP forum think about this highly respected conductor. I personally think his integrity to the composer's intention and the virtuosity the Cleveland Orchestra reached under his direction is amazing and praiseworthy.

[NLewis]

It just happens that I was listening to his recording of the Brahms 3rd symphony from 1950 last night, and I recall liking almost even more than Frederick Stock's version. Sometimes I think that Szell has some balance problems and I'm not always a fan of his tempo choices. However, overall I was very impressed.

[pocoallegro]

Not a bad composer either - his Piano Quintet and Lyric Overture are a nice blend of Brahms, Strauss, Mahler, and even a little Debussy thrown in ... comes across sounding like Bax.

[NLewis]

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Liszt in the 20th century ----------------------------



Actually, I sort of like Bax.

[allegroamabile]

I also love watching him rehearse or give lessons on clips like this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlyUti7BbCY

You can gain so much musical insight from the things he says.

[vinteuil]

There's an interesting recording of Szell's last concert (Tokyo, 1970)—Berlios, Mozart, Sibelius, Weber. It's very good.