Uploaded May 2014 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Music Fast Facts : The instrument with the funniest nickname is the Ocarina, also known as "the sweet potato". ▼▼▼
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ
Andre Kostelanetz was a well-known and respected conductor who began his career in Russia and proceeded to conduct the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and orchestras all over the world.
Kostelanetz was known for his performances during the early years of radio on CBS pioneering microphone techniques. He presented numerous concerts during WW II for the USO with his wife, the opera singer Lily Pons. The World War II programs instigated a desire to promote American music and he commissioned works by American composers on American themes. The works include A Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland, William Schuman's New England Triptych and Ferde Grofe's Hudson River Suite. With the New York Philharmonic he began a series of "Special" concerts in 1953 which evolved into the popular "Promenade" concerts that were held in the newly constructed Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center where he presented several premieres from 1962 to 1978.
The early years of his life in St. Petersburg left an indelible mark on Kostelanetz' artistic aesthetic. He brought this polished, lush, and refined style to both popular music (a friend of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kerns, and Cole Porter) and standard classical works. He was a major force in introducing classical music to thousands and his deep friendships with artists and composers, his letters, memorabilia, manuscripts, and scores remain as testimony of his enormous contribution to the world of music.
DID YOU KNOW ?
During his 40 year career (1940-1980) Andre Kostelanetz recorded some 105 albums which comes down to nearly 3 album recordings per year.
MHO
Andre Kostelanetz - at the top of his career in the 1960s - had an "army" of arrangers at his disposal, all of them "masters in their own craft". So when 3 "super musicians" like composer Nino Rota, Kosty and his arranger join forces here, the end result can only be a masterpiece. There is so much musicality and diversity here - it's hard to believe the song only lasts for 2'15"..... And though after a first hearing you may not (yet) be convinced, we're sure you will fully appreciate this recording once you've listened to it a couple of times. This, in mho, is orchestral music at its best.
Enjoy.
Music Fast Facts : The instrument with the funniest nickname is the Ocarina, also known as "the sweet potato". ▼▼▼
ANDRE KOSTELANETZ
Andre Kostelanetz was a well-known and respected conductor who began his career in Russia and proceeded to conduct the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, and orchestras all over the world.
Kostelanetz was known for his performances during the early years of radio on CBS pioneering microphone techniques. He presented numerous concerts during WW II for the USO with his wife, the opera singer Lily Pons. The World War II programs instigated a desire to promote American music and he commissioned works by American composers on American themes. The works include A Lincoln Portrait by Aaron Copland, William Schuman's New England Triptych and Ferde Grofe's Hudson River Suite. With the New York Philharmonic he began a series of "Special" concerts in 1953 which evolved into the popular "Promenade" concerts that were held in the newly constructed Philharmonic Hall at Lincoln Center where he presented several premieres from 1962 to 1978.
The early years of his life in St. Petersburg left an indelible mark on Kostelanetz' artistic aesthetic. He brought this polished, lush, and refined style to both popular music (a friend of Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Jerome Kerns, and Cole Porter) and standard classical works. He was a major force in introducing classical music to thousands and his deep friendships with artists and composers, his letters, memorabilia, manuscripts, and scores remain as testimony of his enormous contribution to the world of music.
DID YOU KNOW ?
During his 40 year career (1940-1980) Andre Kostelanetz recorded some 105 albums which comes down to nearly 3 album recordings per year.
MHO
Andre Kostelanetz - at the top of his career in the 1960s - had an "army" of arrangers at his disposal, all of them "masters in their own craft". So when 3 "super musicians" like composer Nino Rota, Kosty and his arranger join forces here, the end result can only be a masterpiece. There is so much musicality and diversity here - it's hard to believe the song only lasts for 2'15"..... And though after a first hearing you may not (yet) be convinced, we're sure you will fully appreciate this recording once you've listened to it a couple of times. This, in mho, is orchestral music at its best.
Enjoy.
