Decca Conductors' Gallery

Experience a feast of classic recordings from Decca's early years (1929-1949) with an A-Z of 23 conductors showcasing the golden age of its 'ffrr' technology. Expertly remastered by Mark Obert-Thorn, Ward Marston, and Andrew Hallifax, this set is a treasure trove of new-to-CD releases that is a must-have for any fan of historical recordings.

Spanning nearly two decades, the story begins in May 1929 with Decca's first major recording, Delius's Sea Drift, conducted by Anthony Bernard. Despite being overshadowed by surface noise, the latest technology reveals this performance to be a poignant elegy. The evolution of Decca is evident in later recordings, such as a suite of Handel conducted by Erich Kleiber, showcasing the label's journey to becoming a symbol of excellence in the music industry.

The pre-war recordings highlight British/Irish talents like Hamilton Harty, Walton, and Henry Wood, while post-war material features podium greats like Albert Coates, Clemens Krauss, and Leo Blech. Composer-conductors like Fitelberg and Enescu also make an appearance, alongside young podium sensations like Celibidache, Martinon, and Coppola.

Andrew Hallifax provides insight into the first-ever release of Handel choruses conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent, while Mark Obert-Thorn and Peter Quantrill offer a detailed exploration of the treasures in this box set and the revolutionary 'full frequency range recording' developed by Decca in the late 1940s.

With comprehensive annotations and rich illustrations, this collection celebrates the artistry of these conductors and the technological advancements that made these classic recordings possible.

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