Special Events-Special Editions – Ernest Ansermet Centenary (SE 6/1983)
Ernest Ansermet, Switzerland's most famous conductor, lived from 1883-1969.
He achieved international renown as the creator and conductor of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, which he directed for more than half a century. This special edition was produced in 1983 to mark Ernest Ansermet’s birth centenary.
Musical content
1. Ernest Ansermet speaks about Igor Stravinsky in Switzerland.
2. Igor Stravinsky: Histoire du Soldat (excerpt)
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Ernest Ansermet, conductor
Recorded in 1940, courtesy by French-Swiss Radio
3. Ernest Ansermet on his first performances of Stravinsky’s works.
4. Claude Debussy: Pour la danseuse aux crotales. From “Six Epigraphes antiques”
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Ernest Ansermet, conductor
Recorded in 1960, courtesy by French-Swiss Radio
5. Arthur Honegger: Chant de joie (excerpt)
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Ernest Ansermet, conductor
Recorded in 1961, courtesy by French-Swiss Radio
6. Ludwig van Beethoven: Funeral March. From Symphony no. 3, “Eroica” in E flat op. 55
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Ernest Ansermet, conductor
Recorded in 1963, courtesy by French-Swiss Radio
7. Ernest Ansermet on his association with the Diaghilev Ballets.
8. Ernest Ansermet on the ballet as a school for conductors.
9. Ernest Ansermet on the role of tonality and rhythm in music.
10. Ernest Ansermet on music as a means of human communication.
11. Hector Berlioz: Symphony fantastique op. 14 (excerpt)
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande; Ernest Ansermet, conductor
Recorded in 1961, courtesy by French-Swiss Radio
Production information
Musica Helvetica. Special Events-Special Editions MH-SE 6. Ernest Ansermet Centenary. Produced 1983 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen.
Background information
Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.
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