Beethoven: Concerto No. 4 (Robert Casadesus, pianist, with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy conducting; Columbia, 8 sides). Pianist Casadesus goes up against tough competition—Schnabel, Backhaus—in recording one of Beethoven's greatest works, comes off a strong third. Recording (on Vinylite): excellent.
Berlioz: Fantastic Symphony (Concertgebouw Orchestra, Eduard van Beinum conducting; English Decca, 12 sides). Berlioz' blend of bombast and beauty is hard to resist in the performance of this great Amsterdam orchestra. Recording: excellent.
Handel: The Faithful Shepherd Suite (National Symphony Orchestra, Hans Kindler conducting; Victor, 4 sides). Conductor Kindler misses much of...
