While Richard Bonynge has long been associated with opera, particularly with that of the Bel Canto age, he has been one of the most active revivers and conductors of ballet in the 20th and 21st centuries. His recordings of the major Romantic classical ballet scores have been critically acclaimed but he has also been responsible for making – often – the single recording of many ballet masterpieces that disappeared from view and in doing so, showing just how worthy was their revival. Pas de deux, recorded in 1964, is one of these, reviving moments for balletic couples from both well-known as well as forgotten scores. It appears here in its original LP configuration, with original notes.
LUDWIG MINKUS: Paquita – Pas de deux
RICCARDO DRIGO: Esmeralda – Pas de deux
DANIEL AUBER: Pas classique
EDVARD HELSTED: Flower Festival at Genzano – Pas de deux
RIVCARDO DRIGO: Le Corsaire – Pas de deux
London Symphony Orchestra
Richard Bonynge
Recording Producer: Christopher Raeburn
Balance Engineer: Arthur Lilley
Recording Location: Kingsway Hall, London, UK, April 1964
‘tremendous and infectious gaiety … The music is beautifully played and superbly recorded’ Gramophone