Igor Markevitch personified the modern conductor during the post-war years. For him, the most important aspects of performance were rhythmic precision, a transparent orchestral sound and a formal balance. He thus frequently managed to present works in a new perspective. In the present recordings with the RIAS Symphony Orchestra made in the 1950s, Schubert's Third Symphony is presented in a vibrant and elegant interpretation whilst the Ballet Suites by Roussel and de Falla are depicted with radiant colours and fascinating verve. Markevitch, born in Kiev, demonstrates his special affinity with Russian repertoire in his own orchestration of Mussorgsky songs which he performed with the Latvian soprano Mascia Predit in Berlin.