Symphony in C

Georges Bizet

Sir Thomas Beecham / Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Française

1959 Fairly decent stereo; sound is not perfect, but the interpretation carries it.

The interpretation carries the day. Beecham, wonderful with French music, brings a 'relaxed joy' and a 'wonderful rhythmic bounce' without pushing the tempo. The Adagio's oboe solo is 'beautifully caressed and phrased'.