Leopold Stokowski was a renowned conductor known for creating over 200 orchestral transcriptions. His works are colorful and varied, spanning a wide range from the organ pieces of Johann Sebastian Bach to the operas of Richard Wagner. Stokowski played a pivotal role in the early development of orchestral recordings, collaborating with Bell Labs and the Philadelphia Orchestra. In 1940, he partnered with Walt Disney and the beloved character Mickey Mouse to produce the groundbreaking film, Fantasia. Remarkably, had he lived that long, Stokowski would have remained under contract until his 105th birthday, as no one wanted to miss out on his creative energy.
Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977)
Orchestra under the lights
Playlist
Episode 1
Bach, JS (arr. Stokowski): Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor
Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Bach Transcriptions
Pearl GEMM 9098
1:23
Bach, JS (arr. Stokowski): Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor
Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Bach Transcriptions
Pearl GEMM 9098
12:51
Mussorgsky, Modest: Boris Godunov
Symphonic Synthesis; Pictures at an Exhibition
All-American Youth Orchestra/Stokowski
Leopold Stokowski with the All-American Youth Orchestra
Music & Arts CD 1287
22:38
Beethoven, Ludwig van: Stokowski Rehearsal – Beethoven ‘Leonore’ No. 3 Overture (1968)
American Symphony Orchestra/Stokowski
Stokowski at 88
7:54
Rimsky- Korsakov, Nikolai: Ivan the Terrible
National Philharmonic Orchestra/Stokowski
Leopold Stokowski: The Columbia Stereo Recordings
Sony 88691971152
4:08
Episode 2
Chopin, Frédéric: Préludes Op. 28: No. 24 In D Minor: Allegro Appassionato
Maurizio Pollini, Piano
Preludes
DG 413 796
2:24
Chopin (arr. Stokowski): Prelude in D Minor
National Philharmonic Orchestra/Stokowski
Leopold Stokowski: The Columbia Stereo Recordings
Sony 88691971152
2:30
Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai: Scheherazade, Op. 35
“The Sea & Sinbad’s Ship”
London Symphony Orchestra/ Stokowski; Erich Gruenberg, solo violin
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade etc.
Decca 417 753
10:03
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35
“The Story of the Calendar Prince”
London Symphony Orchestra/Stokowski; Erich Gruenberg, solo violin
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade etc.
Decca 417 753
11:40
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35
“The Young Prince & The Young Princess”
London Symphony Orchestra/Stokowski; Erich Gruenberg, solo violin
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Decca 417 753
11:52
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35
“Festival in Baghdad, The Sea, Shipwreck”
London Symphony Orchestra/Stokowski; Erich Gruenberg, solo violin
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade
Decca 417 753
12:03
Episode 3
McDonald, Harl: Symphony No. 2
III. Rhumba
Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Stokowski Philadelphia Rarities
Cala Signum SIGCD 2033
3:38
Griffes, Charles: Roman Sketches
“The White Peacock”
New York Philharmonic/Stokowski
The Classic 1947-1949 Columbia Recordings – Volume 1
Cala CACD0533
6:07
De Falla Manuel: El Amor Brujo
VIII. “Danz Ritual Del Fuego”
Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra/Stokowski
RCA DM 1089
3:16
Messiasen, Olivier: L’Ascension – Four Symphonic Meditations
III. “Alleluia Sur la Trompette,” “Alleluia Sur la Cymbale”
New York Philharmonic/Stokowski
The Classic 1947-1949 Columbia Recordings – Volume 1
Cala CACD0533
5:04
Stravinsky, Igor: Rite of Spring
The Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Fantasia (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Walt Disney Records D002066392
22:23
Dukas, Paul: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
The Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Fantasia (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Walt Disney Records D002066392
9:19
Episode 4
Bach, JS (arr. Stokowski): “Little” Fugue in G minor
Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Bach Transcriptions
Pearl GEMM 9098
3:40
Wagner, Richard (arr. Stokowski): Das Rheingold
Entrance of the Gods into Valhalla
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/José Serebrier
Stokowski Transcriptions
Naxos 8.578305
8:14
McDonald, Harl: Concerto for two pianos and orchestra
III. Juarezca: Allegro
Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Stokowski Philadelphia Rarities
Cala Signum SIGCD 2033
6:49
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr: Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 ‘Pathétique’
II. Allegro con gracia; III. Allegro molto vivace
All-American Youth Orchestra/Stokowski
Leopold Stokowski with the All-American Youth Orchestra
Music & Arts CD 1287
16:25
Stravinsky, Igor: The Firebird
III. “Round Dance of the Princesses,” IV. “Infernal Dance of King Kashei,” V. Berceuse; VI. Finale
All-American Youth Orchestra/Stokowski
Leopold Stokowski with the All-American Youth Orchestra
Music & Arts CD 1287
15:24
Episode 5
Bach, JS (arr. Stokowski): Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565
Philadelphia Orchestra/Stokowski
Fantasia (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Walt Disney Records D002066392
9:25
Mahler, Gustav: Symphony No. 8 E-Flat Major: Part 1
I. Hymn: Veni, creator spiritus
New York Philharmonic/Stokowski
Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ‘Symphony of a Thousand’
Music & Arts MACD1130
22:29
Mahler: Symphony No. 8 E Flat Major: Part 2
I. Chorus; III. Pater Ecs
New York Philharmonic/Stokowski
Mahler: Symphony No. 8 in E flat major ‘Symphony of a Thousand’
Music & Arts MACD1130
19:07
