Spoken word

This playlist comprises digitized cassette tapes given to me by Arthur Wilensky, first my work colleague, then my boss, then my guru.  Arthur was self taught and wise.  I am glad I never discarded a tape he gave me and thrilled to share these with the world.  You will learn more than in any college level music class.

Arthur Wilensky talks on music

Victor Borge, Danish-American comedian, conductor and pianist, interviewed by Binny Lum in 1962.

Published courtesy of Sharon Terry and Geoff Charter.
NFSA Title No: 1210252

Victor Borge, interviewed by Binny Lum (1962)

This interview was recorded at the Barbican centre in 1986. The interviewer is Bob Holness.

The recording was originally made onto tape and has been digitally remastered,

Leonard Bernstein Interview 1986 Part 1

Arthur Wilensky discusses and plays, Sibelius, Symphony No. 4 and Sibelius, "Leminkainen's Journey Homeward".  Both are played by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy.

Arthur Wilensky talk on Sibelius, Symphony No. 4 and "Leminkainen's Journey Homeward"

Arthur Wilensky discusses and plays these recordings:

Sibelius, Karelia Suite, Jensen, Danish State Radio Symphony

Sibelius, King Christian II Suite (Musette, Ballade), Gibson, Scottish National Orchestra

Sibelius, Scenes Historiques ("At the Drawbridge"), Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Sibelius, Scenes Historiques ("Festivo"), Gibson, Scottish National Orcehstra

Sibelius, Finlandia, Beecham, London Philharmonic Orchestra

Sibelius, Symphony No. 1, Maazel, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Arthur Wilensky talk on Sibelius: Karelia Suite, Finlandia, Symphony No. 1, etc.

Sibelius, Symphony No. 2, Barbirolli, New York Philharmonic

Sibelius, Romance in C for Strings, Hollingsworth, Royal Opera House Orchestra

Sibelius, Violin Concerto, Op. 47, Oivin Fjelstad, London Symphony Orchestra; Ruggiero Ricci, violin

Arthur Wilensky: Talk on Sibelius Sym No. 2, Romance in C, and Violin Concerto

Discussion includes these performances:

Sibelius, Pohjola’s Daughter, Bernstein, New York Philharmonic

Sibelius, “Pelleas and Melisande” Incidental Music, Op. 46, Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Sibelius, Symphony No. 3
Collins, London Symphony Orchestra

Sibelius, Beloshazzar’s Feast
Rozhdestvensky, Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra

Arthur Wilensky Talk on Sibelius: Pojhola's Daughter, Symphony No. 3, and Belshazzar's Feast

Music trivia and an interview with the great Victor Borge, described by the New York Times as, "the irrepressible musical humorist, pianist and conductor." A fun half hour.

006 Victor Borge - Music Trivia

Recordings heard on this track:

Sibelius, Finlandia
Toscanini, NBC Symphony Orchestra

Sibelius, Symphony No. 7
Bernstein, New York Philharmonic

Arthur Wilensky Talk on Sibelius, Finlandia and Symphony No. 7

Recordings heard on this track:

Bernstein, Symphony No. 1 ("Jeremiah")
Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic
Jennie Tourel, Mezzo-Soprano

Bernstein, Three Dance Selections from "On the Town"
Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic

Arthur Wilensky Talk on Bernstein, Symphony No. 1 ("Jeremiah"), Dance Selections from "On the Town"

Brian S. Sokoloff