Year's Best Records

Among the flood of classical LP records that made the year more musical, there were many standouts. The following choice of 1954's best is made on the basis of unusual interest in music or performance: Berg: Violin Concerto (Louis Krasner; Cleveland Orchestra conducted by Artur Rodzinsky; Columbia). The first recording of a major 20th century work. Dubbed from old 78-r.p.m. disks, but a devoted performance.

Berlioz: The Damnation of Faust

(Boston Symphony, chorus and soloists conducted by Charles Munch; Victor, 3 LPs). The smoldering romantic score, excitingly fanned by Berlioz Specialist Munch.

Brahms: Orchestral Music (New York Philharmonic-Symphony conducted by Bruno Walter; Columbia, 4 LPs).

Brahms's monumental symphonic output, played with Old World warmth and New World vigor.

Kirchner: String Quartet No. 1 (American Art Quartet; Columbia). A sample of the best modern style by a young composer who is going places.

Poulenc: Les Mamelles de Tiresias (Opera-Comique Orchestra, chorus and soloists conducted by Andre Clutyene; Angel). A subject that is a bit ribald for U.S. public performance, deftly given the full French treatment.

Puccini: Tosco (La Scala Orchestra, chorus and soloists conducted by Victor de Sabata; Angel, 2 LPs). The familiar, gaudy music bursts into flame when Soprano Maria Callas digs into it.

Rossini: II Signer Bruschino (Milan Philharmonic and soloists conducted by Ennio Gerelli; Vox). A lighthearted, lightweight and well-sung little opera in its only LP version.

Schoenberg: Gurre Lieder (chorus, orchestra and soloists conducted by Rene Leibowitz; Haydn Society, 3 LPs). Lush, early work--written before his atonal period--by the late Austrian composer in a performance that is not likely to be surpassed for precision and clarity.

Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Vienna Philharmonic, chorus and soloists conducted by Erich Kleiber; London). Familiar music given an uncommon glow as sung by the beautiful voices of Maria Reining, Sena Jurinac, Hilde Gueden.

Stravinsky: Les Noces (Vienna Chamber Choir, soloists, pianos and percussion conducted by Mario Rossi; Vanguard).

Rarely heard music of Stravinsky's late-barbaric period, cleanly and accurately performed.

Verdi: Falstaff (NBC Symphony and soloists conducted by Arturo Toscanini; Victor, 3 LPs). Another performance so full of fire and fun it will probably never be equalled.

Villa-Lobes: Bachianas Brasileiras No.

5 (Phyllis Curtin and eight cellos conducted by Willis Page; Cook). The tangy modern masterpiece, notable for exciting singing and the highest fidelity sound.

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