George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra - The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra

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Review by Omar Diaz

Album Review: The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra by George Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra If you’re a fan of classical music—or even if you just dabble in it—The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra is one of those albums that feels like an event. Conducted by the legendary George Szell with his trademark precision, this Columbia Masterworks release captures The Cleveland Orchestra at its peak. It’s not just another orchestral compilation; it’s a masterclass in dynamics, tone, and sheer musical storytelling. Let’s dive into two tracks that stick out for me. First up, there’s On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Op. 314. You’ve probably heard this piece before—it’s practically synonymous with waltzes—but Szell brings something fresh to the table here. His interpretation doesn’t just glide along; it soars. The strings shimmer like sunlight on water, while the brass adds weight without overwhelming. What makes this version unforgettable is how alive it feels. It’s less about perfection and more about capturing the joyous spirit of Vienna. Honestly, I found myself humming it for days after listening. Then there’s In The Hall Of The Mountain King From "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1". This track is pure drama, building tension note by note until it explodes into chaos. Szell handles Grieg’s composition with razor-sharp timing, letting each crescendo hit like a punch to the gut. There’s a moment near the end where everything seems to spiral out of control—it’s thrilling, almost cinematic. Listening to this track made me realize why people say classical music can tell stories better than words sometimes. Of course, the album has plenty of other gems too. Pieces like Polovtsian Dances From "Prince Igor" and Scherzo From "A Midsummer Night's Dream" showcase the orchestra’s versatility, moving seamlessly between grandeur and delicacy. And let’s not forget The Moldau ("Vltava"), which paints vivid images of flowing rivers and Bohemian landscapes. Every track feels intentional, as though Szell handpicked them to highlight both the technical prowess and emotional depth of his musicians. What strikes me most about this album is how human it sounds. Sure, it’s polished to a high shine, but it never loses its soul. These aren’t robots playing notes—they’re real people pouring their hearts into every bar. That balance between discipline and passion is what sets The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra apart from other classical recordings. Reflecting on the whole experience, I couldn’t help but think: Why don’t we hear stuff like this on the radio anymore? Maybe because it demands your full attention, or maybe because it reminds us how small we are compared to the sweep of history. Either way, it’s worth revisiting. So grab a pair of headphones, turn off your phone, and let George Szell take you on a journey through sound. Trust me—you won’t regret it. (And hey, who knew polkas could be so catchy?)

Download George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra - The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra
Artist: George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra
Album: The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra
Rating: 5.0

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: george-szell-the-cleveland-orchestra-the-spectacular.zip
  • MP3 size: 54 mb
  • FLAC size: 946.8 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Dance Of The Comedians (Act 3, Scene 2)3:58
Minuet From "L'arlesienne Suite No. 1"2:55
Furiant (Act 2, Scene 1)2:10
Anitra's Dance From "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1"2:31
Farandole From "L'arlesienne Suite No. 2"3:18
Polka (Act 1, Scene 5)5:10
Overture To "The Impresario"4:05
Slavonic Dance In G Minor3:58
Capriccio Italien, Op. 4514:43
Scherzo From "A Midsummer Night's Dream"4:12
In The Hall Of The Mountain King From "Peer Gynt Suite No. 1"2:25
Pavane For A Dead Infanta6:20
The Moldau ("Vltava")12:49
On The Beautiful Blue Danube, Op. 3149:45
Three Dances From "The Bartered Bride"
Polovtsian Dances From "Prince Igor"10:30
Perpetuum Mobile, A Musical Joke, Op. 2575:24
Overture To "The Thieving Magpie"9:16

Images

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Catalog Numbers

MS 7171, M2X 787

Labels

Columbia Masterworks

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Formats

  • 2 × Vinyl
  • LP

Notes

  • From inside jacket:
  • The Selections in "The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra" have been drawn from albums provided over a decade of years by Howard Scott, Thomas Frost and Paul Myers.

Barcodes

Matrix / Runout: XSM137391-1B

About George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra

Hungarian-born American conductor and composer, born June 7, 1897 in Budapest, Austria-Hungary (today Hungary), died July 30, 1970 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He is remembered today for his long and successful tenure as music director of , which he directed from 1946 until his death. At that he was credited, to quote the critic , with having built it into "what many critics regarded as the world's keenest symphonic instrument."

Real Name

    • György Széll

Name Vars

  • G. Szell
  • Geo. Szell
  • Georg Szell
  • Georg Széll
  • George Széll
  • Georges Szell
  • Kapellmeister Széll
  • Kapellmstr. George Széll
  • Szell
  • Széll
  • Széll György
  • Zell
  • Д. Селл
  • Дж. Селл
  • Дж.Сэлл
  • Джордж Селл
  • Джордж Сэлл
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  • ¸çü¸û»ë = George Szell
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Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The album *The Spectacular Cleveland Orchestra* by George Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra is like a musical journey around the world. It features pieces inspired by different cultures, from the lively Polovtsian Dances of Russia to the serene Moldau river in Bohemia. One standout track, *On The Beautiful Blue Danube*, is basically the anthem of Vienna. And it’s all tied together by Szell’s precise conducting style, which critics often describe as both sharp and deeply expressive. Not bad for an orchestra based in Cleveland, right?