12 Conductors Who (Almost) Never Made A Bad Record

Dave, I could (and do) listen to your talks for hours! You are doing the world a great service!

As I digested this video, I thought of one more I would add to your list: Stanislaus Skrowacewski. After reveling in his Bruckner cycle I decided to go back to his 70’s Minnesota recordings. I have never understood why his Ravel recordings sank out of sight. Marvelous sound, great playing, and conducting that sounds utterly natural in delicacy, humor, and fire. His Barton/Prokofiev box from the same period is also insightful. I don’t know his entire input, but if the beginning and end of his recording career are any indication, he deserves recognition

Well now of course you need to do a list of conductors who almost NEVER made a good record 😂

Great list. As a Slatkin fan for many years, I particularly agree with that choice. Also, for those who might be interested, there is a YouTube channel dedicated to Silvestri that has many of his radio broadcast concerts in good sound, as well as a number of other rarely heard recordings.

This was a lot of fun👍 Great list, and everyone on it deserves to be there...and a special thanks for including Sir Charles Groves and you described his career/situation perfectly. A little surprised Ormandy was absent from list, but we know...we all know 👍 We really need a sit down with you & Slatkin. He's the only conductor you could do a face to face deep dive with that could keep up with you & give great, deep answers/ memories to all your questions.

Was privileged to attend a performance of Britten's "BILLY BUDD" @ Covent Garden in 1971...conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras.

thanks for including Bernstein'. people love to not give him the credit that he's due. his version of copland's third symphony is the best out there. I've heard a lot of different conductors tackle it, and bernstein's is unique. i can't explain why. he is able to get an orchestra to play it the way he hears it.

Günter Wand never disappoints me.

Great list, and can't say I disagree with any of those listed. And Mackerras definitely deserves the unofficial top spot. I'd add Eugen Jochum as another conductor who always delivered great, consistent performances on record. Fantastic Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Mozart, his Bach B minor mass, Elgar's Enigma, even a great Mahler Das Lied. His claim to be one of the greats is already solid before we consider his Bruckner.

I was introduced to Bernstein's Haydn symphonies by your videos. Changed my perspective completely of both the composer and conductor. Thanks for making these videos!

I purchased the Mozart Symphonies, with Sir Charles Mackerras conducting the Prague Chamber Orchestra (based on your recommendation). I can’t begin to describe the pleasure, and happiness I’ve enjoyed while listening to them over, and over again. Prior to that, I was only familiar with his Janacek, which is also incredible. Couldn’t agree with you more. Thanks Dave!

Great recommendations! I've learnt a lot. Glad you mentioned Sir Charles Groves. I had the privilege of hearing him give a talk at my school many years ago. He was modest, funny and knowledgeable as well as a perfect gentleman.

I loved this video David! Great fun and informative. Thanks as always.

Great video, Dave! Agree with Bernstein 100%, some others I’m looking forward to start listening soon. Am especially curious about Silvestre and Ančel. But, can’t help chiming in: what about Reiner? His Living Stereo legacy is quite impressive. Also Charles Munch for RCA? Best regards!

Thanks for such an enjoyable and interesting video. I'm with you 100% on Charles Mackerras and most of the others in your list. Of course these things come down to personal taste, but I'd include Eugen Jochum and would be very tempted to add Charles Munch (apart from a couple of late disappointments).

Excellent list! I listened to each entry in your presentation with bated breath (I didn't cheat and preview your list in the description). Yes, there was Fricsay and then Ančerl and Groves and Bernstein, et al, however there was someone missing. I was itching to go to the keyboard and at you. But my patience was rewarded and you came through at the very end with Charles Mackerras. Thank you!.

I am so glad that you chose Charles Mackerras - a great Australian talent. Wonderful Janacek, G&S and other English music. As you said, it would be great to have a comprehensive box or two of his recordings.

I'm surprised you didn't include Markevitch ! Although you probably would if you had more space on the list. Love your videos !

It warmed my heart to see Ferenc Fricsay topping off your list. He has been my favorite and I have collected just about everything of his, since I heard the reissue disc with him conducting Martzy and Morini playing the Glazunov, Bruch and Dvorak works. His one regrettable effort was the absolutely lamentable recording of Schubert’s 9th symphony, during his brief sojourn as guest conductor with the Houston Symphony - yes, Fricsay came to Texas! It is unlistenable. Also, Vegh’s live recordings of Haydn on the Orfeo label, are not to be overlooked.

Dave, so many comments here congratulating you on this and other reviews. You deserve every one of them. Thank you