Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: A close-knit ensemble
Known as Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest in their Dutch homeland, this orchestra is based in Amsterdam’s lavish Royal Concert Hall.
The Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest was established three months after the opening of the concert hall in 1888. It was on 3rd November 1888 that the orchestra first came together to perform their debut concert under the baton of Willem Kes, a conductor who enforced strict etiquette on his unsuspecting audience. No eating, talking or late arrivals were permitted; the orchestra and their music-making was to be given full attention and respect.
Willem Mengelberg followed in Kes’ footsteps, directing the orchestra for over 50 years. Mengelberg supported the musicians on their way towards becoming a world-class ensemble as well as supporting them to create many famous recordings. Mengelberg was rather a globetrotter, and whilst he was abroad conducting, various substitutes took up his role, including Pierre Monteux and Bruno Walter. Eduard von Beinum later took up the position and it was due to this change that the orchestra began to broaden their repertoire.
Aside from promoting composers from their own country, the orchestra has nurtured a close connection with composer Gustav Mahler, and his symphonies form a solid part of the orchestra’s repertoire.
Queen Beatrix, who reigned over the Netherlands for 33 years between 1980 and 2013, bequeathed the title of “royal” upon this national orchestra. This high honour reflects the popularity of the orchestra within its own country as well as internationally. Today the orchestra is directed by Daniele Gatti and comprises 120 musicians, the ensemble is highly regarded in the classical world.
This week we have added several recordings featuring the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and its conductors — including Eduard von Beinum, Paul van Kempen and Bernard Haitink. Here is an arrangement of Handel’s Water Music by one of the most important conductors of this first-class Dutch orchestra, Eduard von Beinum.
The Concertgebouorkest has been consistently active in promoting works by Dutch composers such as Hendrik Andriessen.
Great instrumental soloists have always been glad to perform with the Concertgebouworkest due to the high quality of its musicians. Here Robert Casadesus can be heard performing a concerto that is unusual to his typical repertoire.
Franz Schubert: Rosamunde, D. 797 (Excerpts) (George Szell, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, 1957)
Among the numerous guest conductors who have worked with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, George Szell is exactly the right man for this precious music by Schubert. The warm and bright sound of the orchestra and the sensible approach by Szell make for an ideal performance of this work.
Richard Strauss: Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24 (Karl Böhm, Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, 1955)
This is the Concertgebouw Orchestra performing a work by Richard Strauss: a wonderful combination! Karl Böhm is regarded as a specialist for the music of Strauss.
Bernhard Haitink has been Principal conductor of the Concertgebouworkest for many years, having taken up the role in 1963, and he has been most important in promoting the rank of the orchestra.
