Beecham in Montréal (1956) - Handel, Mozart (DVD)

Sir Thomas Beecham (1879-1961) was one of the most venerated and celebrated conductors of his time. Though he was renowned for his rapier-style wit, Sir Thomas was a serious, extraordinarily gifted musician who illuminated even overly-familiar works with his own magical light.
Sir Thomas’s television appearances were, surprisingly, largely limited to North America. His concerts were captured by cameras in Chicago, Toronto, and Montréal, but, apparently, only once in his native country. The Montréal concert, which took place in 1956, is the earliest of Sir Thomas’s television appearances. The original kinescope, which was thought to be lost, was recently rediscovered and restored to the Montréal studios of Radio-Canada.
This historic document, comprised of music of the two composers closest to Sir Thomas’s heart, is of major importance both to Beecham collectors and to all lovers of great music. Video Artists International is proud to have played a part in its rediscovery and release.
B&W, 58 minutes, 4:3, All regions

Handel: Amaryllis Suite (arr. by Beecham, based on ballet music from Handel operas)
Mozart: Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio, K.418 *
Mozart: Voi avete un cor fedele, K.217 *
Mozart: Symphony No. 38 in D, "Prague," K.504

*Maria Stader, soprano
Orchestra Symphonique de Montréal
Sir Thomas Beecham, conductor

Telecast of March 22, 1956