Originally this was released in 1951 in clear but somewhat shrill mono (in short, a typical Decca production of the period), and at this time the London Philharmonic was no one’s idea of a great orchestra–but it doesn’t matter. Jean Martinon, then a relative newcomer to the international discography, whips the orchestra into shape with the sheer energy of his conducting. All of these performances will set your pulse racing and toes tapping, from the élan of Hérold’s Zampa to an absolutely wild account of the “can-can” finale to Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld. The same composer’s overture to Le Mariage aux Lanternes provides a welcome novelty, but if I had to chose a particular highlight I would note the two Boieldieu overtures, not exactly repertory items any longer, which is our loss. Martinon handles them both with all of the necessary vivaciousness and charm. He was one of those conductors whose emphasis on basic musical values of good rhythm, just balances, and faithful adherence to the score almost always yielded superior results, and despite the dated sonics his admirers will be very happy that these performances are now generally available.
