It is my pleasure to announce that we are offering the CDs of the Austrian company, Orfeo. Their catalogue currently lists four exciting titles; two of which feature Furtwängler the conductor and two others that feature Furtwängler the composer. The performance of his Symphony No. 2 is taken from a live concert with the Vienna Philharmonic on February 22, 1953 and the Symphony No. 3 is conducted by Wolfgang Sawallisch with the Bavarian State Orchestra performed live on January 7, 1980. The other two CDs are taken from various live Salzburg Festivals concerts. The first one features Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8 from August 30, 1954; his last performance in Salzburg. The other CD deals with his first performance at the Festival after the war. Specially, I refer to the Beethoven Leonore Overture No. 3 from July 31, 1948 together with Pfitzner’s Symphonie in C (August 7, 1949) and the Brahm’s Symphony No. 4 (August 15, 1950). How is it? I’m not exactly unbiased but I found it wonderful. In fact, it’s one of the most supercharged, electric performances even in the context of other Furtwängler renditions. What more shall I say? This is a must for all members!

Associate editor Mark Kluge adds: This Leonore No. 3 is the same one previously released by Rococo and Melodram, dated only as Salzburg, 1948. The Olsen and Hunt discographies gave the date as August 3, 1948. Orfeo states it as July 31, 1948. Although the Rococo LP issue was pitched sharp, I was easily able to synchronize it with the Orfeo CD. Noises such as a squeak at 2:44, stomps from the podium at 3:21, and a loud cough at 3:53 are identical to the previous issues. The Melodram CD had a huge cut from the end of the first trumpet solo to the violin runs in the coda. The Rococo issue was complete. The Orfeo improves significantly on the sound of those prior releases, with more extended highs and less overload.

Another exciting note of interest to all members is that the WFSA is ushering in the new century and the age of electronics with a fully refurbished Website that features amonth other things and online Forum/Chat room. So in order to speak with others we encourage you all to register online. That way rather than writing letters to the Forum section of our Newsletter you may simply visit the chat room with your observations and comments and, with your permission, we will print your opinions and thoughts in an upcoming Newsletter.

Dade Thieriot
President, WFSA