Stravinsky: L'Oiseau De Feu/Petrouchka

1. L'oiseau de feu (The Firebird), concert suite for orchestra No. 2
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra
2. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version)
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra

Stravinsky: L'Oiseau De Feu/Petrouchka,Igor Stravinsky,Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra,Eclipse Music Group,20th/21st Century Ballet,Ballet,Classical,Orchestral,Suite for Orchestra

Average customer rating: Abbado's Stravinsky from his LSO period is very fine Phenomenal Firebird Practically Perfect Wonderful Great Interpretations of Stravinsky From Abbado

Stravinsky: Le Sacre du printemps/L'Oiseau de feu/Jeu de cartes/Petrouchka/Pulcinella Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms/Symphony in 3 Movements Stravinsky: Three Greek Ballets (Apollo, Agon, Orpheus) Debussy: Orchestral Music Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky: Petrouchka/ Le Sacre du Printemps Bartók: Concerto for Orchestra; Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta; Hungarian Sketches ASIN: B000001GYI Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

1. L'Adoration de la terre: Introduction
2. L'Adoration de la terre: Les Augures printaniers - Danses des adolescents
3. L'Adoration de la terre: Jeu du rapt - Game of Abduction
4. L'Adoration de la terre: Rondes printanieres - Spring Round Dances
5. L'Adoration de la terre: Jeux des cites rivales - Games of the Rival Tribes
6. L'Adoration de la terre: Danse de la terre - Dance of the Earth /Le Sacrifice - The Sacrifice
7. Le Sacrifice: Introduction
8. Le Sacrifice: Cercles mysterieux des adolescentes - Mystical Circles of the Young Girls
9. Le Sacrifice: Glorification de l'Elue - Glorification of the Chosen Victim
10. Le Sacrifice: Action rituelle des ancetres - Ritual of the Elders
11. Le Sacrifice: Danse sacrale (L'Elue) - Sacrificial Dance (The Chosen Victim)
12. L'Oiseau De Feu: Introduction
13. L'Oiseau De Feu: Variation de l'Oiseau de feu - Variation of the Firebird
14. L'Oiseau De Feu: Ronde des Princesses - The Princesses' Round
15. L'Oiseau De Feu: Danse infernale du roi Kachtchei - Infernal Dance of King Kahchei
16. L'Oiseau De Feu: Berceuse - Lullaby
17. L'Oiseau De Feu: Final - Finale
18. Jeu de cartes: Premiere donne
19. Jeu de cartes: Deuxieme donne
20. Jeu de cartes: Troisieme donne

Tracks:

1. Petrouchka: Fete populaire de la semaine grasse - The Shrovetide Fair
2. Petrouchka: Danse russe - Russian Dance
3. Petrouchka: CHez Petrouchka - Petruschka's Room
4. Petrouchka: CHez la Maure - The Moor's Room
5. Petrouchka: Valse: La Ballerine et le Maure - Waltz: The Ballerina and the Moor
6. Petrouchka: Fete populaire de la semaine grasse - The Shrovetide Fair (towards evening)
7. Petrouchka: Danse des nounous - Dance of the Nursemaids
8. Petrouchka: L'ours et un paysan - The Bear and the Peasant
9. Petrouchka: Un marchand fetard avec deux tziganes - The Jovial Merchant with Two Gypsy Girls
10. Petrouchka: Danse des cochers et des palefreniers - Dance of the Coachmen and Grooms
11. Petrouchka: The Masqueraders
12. Petrouchka: La rixe: Le Maure et Petrouchka - The Fight: The Moor and Petrushka
13. Petrouchka: Mort de Petrouchka - Death of Petrushka
14. Petrouchka: La police et le charlatan - The Police and the Showman
15. Petrouchka: Apparition du double de Petrouchka - Apparation of Petrushka
16. Pulcinella: Ouverture: Allegro mederato
17. Pulcinella: Serenata: Larghetto
18. Pulcinella: Scherzino: Allegro
19. Flaminio, Act III, Checca's Canzona: Poco piu vivo
20. Pulcinella: Allegro
21. Pulcinella: Andantino
22. Pulcinella: Allegro
23. Pulcinella: Allegretto
24. Pulcinella: Allegretto assai
25. Pulcinella: Allegro
26. Pulcinella: Largo (Trio), Allegro, Presto
27. Pulcinella: Allegro - alla breve
28. Pulcinella: Tarantella
29. Pulcinella: Andantino
30. Pulcinella: Allegro
31. Pulcinella: Gavotta con due variazioni
32. Pulcinella: Vivo
33. Pulcinella: Tempo di minuetto
34. Pulcinella: Allegro assai

Amazon.com

This is an excellent Stravinsky collection on all counts. Claudio Abbado's recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra represent the high-water mark of his career, and DG captured the partnership in generally fine sound. This recording of the complete Pulcinella, with the songs included, set an entirely new standard for the work, and its excellence has worn very well in the couple of decades since its initial release. The performance of Jeu de Cartes (Card Game) also should win many new friends for this entertaining late work. As to the Big Three ballets, all of them were among the most recommendable versions when they first came out, and they still are. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Abbado's Stravinsky from his LSO period is very fine.......2006-09-22

Abbado thrived in London in the Seventies and early Eighties with the LSO, and their collaboration produced some of his most vigorous performances. These Stravinsky ballets are among them. (I can't agree with David Hurwitz that Abbado never got better--he became an unparalleled maestro in his last years with the berlin Phil.) DG's bargain two-fer features dynamic, in-your-face sonics, especially in Le Sacre. Admittdly, there are passing moments when Abbado, as was his wont, turns a bit tame and cautious, but the overall impression is of a brash, propulsive Le Sacre. The Firebird Suite is the only item, however, that's seriously underplayed.

Petrushka gets another vivid recording and lots of commitment from the LSo; it also finds Abbado at his most involved. But the main attraction here isn't the most familiar works but Abbado's complete Pulcinella and the Balanchine-commissioned Jeu de Carte (Hurwitz mistakenly calls it a late work. with Stravinsky, late means the 1950-71, not 1937, when this ballet was premiered). Abbado's approach is classical and balanced, but there's a good deal of inner life, which Stravinsky's 'white' ballet music desperately needs if it's to connect with a concert audience.

I especially like the Pulcinella, which is an oddly difficult work to bring off. Abbado plays it lightly, with refined textures and attacks that aren't as dry and sharp as we usually expect, articularly from the composer himself. Purists may find Abbado too mellifluous, but he's never rough and vulgar. He's lucky in his prestige vocalists (Berganza, Shirley-Quirk, and Davies), who struggle just a bit in songs that often defeat lessert singers.

All in all, there's stiff competition in these pieces, but Abbado gives ue the best omnium gatherum of all five.

Phenomenal Firebird.......2006-09-14

This is a great Firebird. Abbado, among many othe things to dmire, has the strings playing sul ponto in the last section rght before the french horn solo. He gets all these overtones from the violins: it sounds like a some ghostkt chorus on top of the orchestra. Amazing performance

Practically Perfect.......2006-03-15

This recording of The Firebird makes me weep every time I hear it...there is a beautifully sophisticated, subtle touch to this recording that ignites the spirit of inpsiration without going crazy; it is still art in it's fullest, noblest sense. The skilled Abbado lets Stravinsky work his magic. Practically perfect.

Wonderful.......2005-03-18

I love these CDs because they have the most important Stravinsky ballets, complete, all on 2 CDs, and they are all great performances. Also, this recording is with the LSO, an amazing orchestra that has both overwhelming power and overwhelming beauty, under the baton of the great Claudio Abbado. Sound quality is very good. Highly recommended.

Great Interpretations of Stravinsky From Abbado.......2002-03-27

This magnificient two CD set contains some of Abbado's finest recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra. His great interpretations of Stravinsky's scores can easily hold their own against those from the likes of Bernstein, Boulez, Haitink, and more recent interpreters such as Gergiev. His "Le Scare du printemps" is one of the most dramatic recordings I've heard, replete with tense, vibrant playing from the London Symphony Orchestra. It is a visceral, emotionally raw account pulsating with energy. Equally noteworthy is his splendid interpretation of "L'Oiseau de feu", which is a brisk, dramatic performance. Both "Jeu de cartes" and the entire score of "Pulcinella" are very pleasant surprises too. My only slight criticism is Abbado's interpretation of "Petrouchka" which doesn't sound as dramatic as Haitink's with the London Philharmonic. The sound quality on these image bit digitally remastered CDs is absolutely stunning; it sounds as good as contemporary recordings.

Average customer rating: Performance A+, Original Mastering A+, This Remaster D- Mackerras, LSO, Stravinsky: Musical Magic in Surround Sound

Stravinsky: Petrouchka; Firebird Suite [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Le Sacre du Printemps [Hybrid SACD] Love & Lament [Hybrid SACD] Beethoven: Complete Sonatas & Variations [Hybrid SACD] Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4; Midsummer Night's Dream; Hebrides [SACD] Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Greensleeves; Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B0001IN0EO Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

1. The Shrove-Tide Fair
2. Petrouchka's Room
3. The Moor's Room
4. Shorve-Tide Fair (Toward's Evening)
5. Danse Infernale Du Roi Kastchei
6. Berceuse
7. Finale
8. Bonus Track 1
9. Bonus Track 2
10. Bonus Track 3
11. Bonus Track 4
12. Bonus Track 5
13. Bonus Track 6
14. Bonus Track 7
15. Bonus Track 8
16. Bonus Track 9

Customer Reviews:

Performance A+, Original Mastering A+, This Remaster D-.......2007-04-13

The right channel on this SACD/CD release has an unacceptable hum in it, which mars an otherwise fantastic performance brilliantly captured by the original engineers. It's too late for me to return it to Amazon, from whom I purchased it, so if you purchase it with the right to refund it if defective, LISTEN to your CD the moment it arrives, and don't leave it in an auditioning stack for a couple of months like I did. If the CD you pick up does NOT have the hum, you've got a 5 STAR in your hands. The pressings with the hum drop the star count by two. I'm reviewing the copy I have, since you have a chance of acquiring the same problems in your CD. Buyer beware: check your CD out, rejoice if it's kosher, act quickly if you've got that hum. This is all the more a pity since this is now my favorite take on Petrouchka, and I own about 15 different versions of the ballet. I'll even listen to it with the hum -- and I'll eventually break down and repurchase this in the hope my next copy is hum-free.

Mackerras, LSO, Stravinsky: Musical Magic in Surround Sound.......2006-05-20

Let me be clear that I am reviewing the SACD/CD Hybrid version of this recording. Long years have I cherished and cheered this performance of Stravinsky's middle ballet, Petrouchka. The remainder of this disc offers a piano transcription of the equally famous Firebird Suite ballet music, played to the hilt by Robin McCabe.

I first obtained this recording in the ancient days of LP vinyl. Immediately I realized that this was one of the best played and recorded editions available. So I hung onto it, until my LP collection was destroyed in a shipping accident. Then, one day I found it on regular 16-bit CD, and scooped it up as quickly as possible. The coupling was a tremendous, top-notch performance of Mussorgsky-Ravel's Pictures at an Exhibition, with Mackerras leading the New Philharmonia (London). (Now also available in SACD transfer, and standing equally high as sound demo and as musical performance on my play list.)

That regular CD still sits on the fav shelf; but the moment I encountered a SuperAudio version of the Mussorgky-Ravel Pictures, I began to look for an SACD version of the Petrouchka. My particular treasure hunt ended at a local store; but yours may take you along other paths. No matter, look for this wherever you can obtain it.

The SACD provides a surround remix of the original 8-track master tapes, and the result is simply stunning as music, and as high resolution system display piece. (I'm going full tilt on five Def Tech floor speakers, plus a Velodyne sub, powered by Bryston amps, with a Pioneer omni-player feeding a B&K Ref 30 preamp.) Of course, Stravinsky's brilliant orchestration is rooted in the Late Romantic lexicons of Berlioz and Rimsky-Korsakov, and carried forward in a hybrid manner that imports the keyboard athletics of what would otherwise be a concerto genre. The fact that conductor and band are playing the original 1911 scoring, later reduced and streamlined by the composer to fit a more linear, modern sensibility, only emphasizes the flash, fire, and balletic energy of this performance. The London Symphony play it all to the absolute tens, and thanks to the multi-track master, every harmonic nuance and virtuoso soloist's riff is present and then some. In the surround SACD, the instruments have been allocated to the back and front channels, which isn't anything at all like a live auditorium performance would be. It took some getting used to, every time the back channel performers kicked in. That said, if any music in the classical repertoire can take this sort of sonic treatment and still come out music, the Stravinsky Petrouchka has to be on that list.

Since the SACD comes in a hybrid version with a regular CD layer, you get value either way, depending on what kind of player you have at the moment. Also it may serve consumers with regular DVD players to recall that Silverline Classics is releasing the Vanguard/Artemis catalogue in DVD Audio 5.1 remixes, too, that also play in regular Dolby Digital 5.1 format on ordinary movie players. You may eventually get this outstanding performance in that high-resolution format, and enjoy it even if you haven't upgraded to SACD yet.

In any case, grab this one. It appears in the catalogue, but disappears rather more quickly than its excellence might suggest. This SACD is mid-price in some locations, but there is nothing compromised about its sonic and musical value.

Truly five bright stars, and very highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Stravinsky: Petrouchka; The Firebird Suite; Scherzo à la Russe Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring / Alexander Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra ASIN: B00008GENY Release Date: 2003-03-25

Amazon.com

Any temptation to ignore yet another release of the ubiquitous Petrouchka and the Firebird Suite should be resisted, for these performances are really special. Petrouchka pulses with life; Järvi and his excellent orchestra put you right in the middle of Stravinsky's surrealistic carnival, rendering the dances with vibrant energy and the slower narrative sections with command of mood and atmosphere, as in the menacing In the Moor's Room or in the scene of Petrouchka's death. It's as if conductor and musicians determined they'd play the score as if it was newly-minted; it has the freshness of discovery. The Firebird Suite shares that quality too, and the early little Scherzo makes for a nice filler. Along with Järvi, the heroes of this disc are the orchestra, which plays with razor-sharp accuracy and polish, its soloists, who contribute innumerable virtuoso passages full of character, and the engineers who capture it all in stunningly vivid sonics. --Dan Davis

Average customer rating:

Petrouchka / Firebird Suite / Scherzo Manufacturer: Telarc ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr) ASIN: B0000A4GE0 Release Date: 2003-07-22

Average customer rating: In my opinion... yeah right! Outstanding "Rite", Good Firebird, Disappointing Petrushka SORPRENDENTE

Stravinsky: The Firebird; Rite of Spring; Petrouchka; Scherzo fantastique Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000006CRW Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

1. Petrouchka - Tableau 1: The Shrovetide Fair
2. Petrouchka - Tableau 1: The Magic Trick
3. Petrouchka - Tableau 1: Russian Dance
4. Petrouchka - Tableau 2: Pouchka's Room
5. Petrouchka - Tableau 3: The Moor's Room
6. Petrouchka - Tableau 3: Dance of the Ballerina
7. Petrouchka - Tableau 3: Waltz (The Ballerina and the Moor)
8. Petrouchka - Tableau 4: The Shrovetide Fair (evening)
9. Petrouchka - Tableau 4: Dance of the Coachmen and the Grooms
10. Petrouchka - Tableau 4: The Mummers
11. Feu D'artifice Op. 4: Fireworks
12. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: Introduction
13. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: The Augurs of Spring
14. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual of Abduction
15. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: Spring Rounds
16. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual of the Two Rival Tribes
17. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: Procession of the Sage
18. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: The Kiss of the Earth
19. The Rite of Spring - Adoration Of The Earth: The Dancing Out of the Earth
20. The Rite Of Spring - The Sacrifice: Introduction
21. The Rite Of Spring - The Sacrifice: Mystic Circles of the Young Girls
22. The Rite Of Spring - The Sacrifice: Glorification of the Chosen One
23. The Rite Of Spring - The Sacrifice: Evocation of the Ancestors
24. The Rite Of Spring - The Sacrifice: Ritual Action of the Ancestors
25. The Rite Of Spring - The Sacrifice: Sacrifical Dance

Tracks:

1. The Firebird: Introduction
2. The Firebird: Kashchei's Enchanted Garden
3. The Firebird: Appearance of the Firebird
4. The Firebird: Dance of the Firebird
5. The Firebird: Ivan Tsarevich captures the Firebird
6. The Firebird: Supplication of the Firebird
7. The Firebird: Appearance of the Thirteen Enchanted Princesses
8. The Firebird: The Princesses' Game with the Golden Apples
9. The Firebird: Sudden Appearance of Ivan Tsarevich
10. The Firebird: The Princesses' Round Dance
11. The Firebird: Daybreak, Ivan Tsarevich enters Kashchei's Palace
12. The Firebird: Magic Carillon, Capture of Ivan Tsarevich
13. The Firebird: Arrival of Kashchei the Immortal
14. The Firebird: Appearence of the Firebird
15. The Firebird: Dance of Kashchei's Retinue
16. The Firebird: Infernal Dance
17. The Firebird: Lullaby (Firebird)
18. The Firebird: Kashchei's Death
19. The Firebird: Disappearence of the Palace and Dissolution of Kashchei's Enchantments, General Thanksgiving
20. Scherzo Fantastique, Op. 3: Pour Grand Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

In my opinion..........2006-02-12

These three well-received ballets by Russian-born Igor Stravinsky are something that (almost) everyone should hear. Each has its own lovable spark that has generated inspirations for later composers like Kodaly, Walton, and Poulenc. Petrushka is lively and hauntingly majestic at high levels with its instrumental solos and expressive settings. The Firebird is dark, bold, and deeply mythological, with a first-rate musical flow that lasts for about forty minutes. The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps), as everyone well knows, is violently wicked and heavily evocative, and the orchestra does much more work than the ballet dancers. These three gems are at their highest marks when well-known conductors (such as Rattle, Salonen, Craft, and Gergiev) take these works and turn them into powerful forces of nature that travel into our ears and stimulate our brains with encouragement and surprise. With this 2 disc set, with Eliahu Inbal and the Philharmonia, I must say that it doesn't fail in performance or musicality. But it isn't perfect, however.

First off, with Le Sacre du Printemps, the introduction is more organic than usual, which gives a creepier and more sophisticated look of what's to come in the later segments. "The Augurs of Spring" and "Ritual of Abduction" disappoint. The pace is dragged and there isn't much energy to produce a full effect of what Stravinsky intended. "Ritual of the Two Rival Tribes" and "Procession of the Sage" will make you forget about the slowness of the recent two segments with its cackling willpower. The moaning tubas and the menacing trumpets are in good quality here. "The Dancing out of the Earth" is flawed because the solo trumpet is overpowered by the low woodwinds and fast strings. The second half of Sacre is by practical definition of the words Profound and Unforgettable. "Introduction" and "Mystic Circles of the Young Girls" will give you goose-bumps for sure. "Glorification of the Chosen One" is nearly faultless; its vigor isn't brought down by slower tempi, and the brass and strings are in top form. "Ritual Action of the Ancestors" is, as usual, devilish, and the loud "Sacrificial Dance" will make your skin crawl.

The Firebird, in its original 1910 manuscript, does not lack the charm when taken seriously by the conductor. From "Introduction" to "Supplication of the Firebird," the darkness of the first ten minutes of this piece has been given a slow swiftness, and that makes it a good thing. It makes you imagine the deep forests of Russia as a symbol of fear and not wildness. The Thirteen Princesses sequences are splendid; the lightness and dynamism have the perfect volume (not that soft and not that loud). The Round Dance is a relaxing trance that is interrupted by the terrifying equally ferocious appearances of Ivan Tsarevich. "Infernal Dance" is at its best in Inbal's hands. The tempo is perfect in this kind of situation, the resonance of the brass and woodwinds are not obscured by the strings that are given secondary importance here, and the percussion incredibly delivers with its clang and bang and clunk and thud. The "Lullaby" is a tearjerker when it comes to the bassoon's buoyancy and the strings' lovely dictions. The "General Thanksgiving" is slightly marred by the somewhat quick pace, but the brass and timpani in their 7/4 time signature are played with all their might and finishes this ballet with a humongous bang.

Inbal's rendition of Petrushka may not be satisfying to those who have heard of this piece before. Tableau 1 (The Shrovetide Fair, the Magic Trick, and Russian Dance) is only mediocre because of lack of tension. Tableau 2 (Petrushka's Room) is better with clear articulation from the woodwinds and brass. Though devoid of expression, it gives off a sparkling flow with its sheer lovingness. Tableaus 3 and 4 fail in many levels. The tempi is off, the tension is heard nowhere, the finale doesn't give out a smooth ebb with its finishing touch, and the strings don't seem to follow the conductor correctly. The trumpet solo in the "Dance of the Ballerina" sounds nice, though.

With two memorable fillers, Fireworks and Scherzo Fantastique, this set is part of the love-it-or-leave-it variety. I personally love it because of its firm handling of The Firebird and Le Sacre du Printemps. There are better recordings of Petrushka that are out there, like the Neeme Jarvi version. All in all, this is a good buy. Unfortunately, Amazon didn't have the nerve to collect more stock for this item, so you should find it somewhere else. At mid-price, you won't want to miss out on this one.

yeah right!.......2000-07-27

The Rite of Spring almost sounds good if you have never heard it played by a different orchestra. This disc did not live up to my expectations. If you want an awesome recording, look up Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, by the Plovdiv Orchestra. You will be amazed!

Outstanding "Rite", Good Firebird, Disappointing Petrushka.......2000-03-29

The Philharmonia Orchestra has long been considered the British orchestra second in quality to the London Symphony Orchestra, and, more recently, third behind Rattle's City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The Philharmonia Orchestra's glory days were the 1960s, particularly the recordings made under the direction of Giulini.

Under the baton of conductor Eliahu Inbal, this disk of Stravinsky marks their return to the world stage as a top-notch ensemble: exciting brass, tight ensemble playing, and strong individual woodwind performances. The recording of the Rite of Spring stands out as powerful as I have heard it anywhere. The raw bestiality of Stravinsky's score comes through with a vengeance--it is easy to see why this work evoked such outrage upon its premiere. Inbal provides strong direction and lets the colorful orchestration shine. The performance is so overwhelming you will want to play it to the limit your speakers (and neighbors) can tolerate.

The recording of the 1911 score of Petrushka, however, is a bit more disappointing. While there are many excellent individual performances among the musicians in the orchestra, it appears as though the work is under rehearsed. Petrushka requires the musicians to alternately sound like a full orchestra or a small chamber ensemble; the latter passages often lack rhythmic cohesion amongst the soloists. It is also a playful piece, but that character seems to have been somewhat missed in this performance.

The Firebird is heard here in its complete version. Fans of the suite extracted from this ballet will discover (not unexpectedly) that the suite encompasses the best passages of the entire work, and that the additional music makes the complete version into a rather clumsy composition. Nonetheless, the Philharmonia Orchestra performs valiantly: the Infernal Dance is energetic and exciting, the Lullaby beautiful, and the Finale grandiose (albeit the ensemble occasionally loses its cohesion here also).

Despite some drawbacks in the Petrushka, this 2-CD set is a good buy (it also includes the shorter Fireworks and Scherzo Fantastique) and has excellent sound quality.

SORPRENDENTE.......2000-03-23

Gran interpretación de Inbal en La consagración de la primavera, un manejo rítmico ejemplar, sumado a una concepción salvaje de la obra, hacen de ésta versión una de las mejores opciones para Le sacre. Además de que Inbal destaca en forma impresionante durante toda la obra, especialmente en el sacrificio, los instrumentos de percusión.

Fuertemente recomendado.

Average customer rating:

Stravinsky's Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Proarte ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000009KWK Release Date: 1996-03-04

Average customer rating: There are better choices

Stravinsky: L'Oiseau de feu; Petrouchka Manufacturer: Eclipse Music Group ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B000002XF7 Release Date: 1997-10-23

Customer Reviews:

There are better choices.......2001-11-14

This disc does have an enticing price tag, but be forwarned, it is a live recording. That means there is spontaneous coughing throughout the disc. If you don't mind that, perhaps you will mind the incredibly disproportionate dynamics of the Firebird Suite. Oddly enough, the piccolo is just a little bit too forte. Actually, it's painfully fortississississississimo during the Firebird's Dance. The performance of Petrouchka is better, though lacking fire at times. If you're really cheap like me, this isn't a bad choice, though I would never spend any more than the (money) I spent on this disc.
If, however, you are interested in getting a couple of excellent recordings of outstanding performances, may I suggest the Firebird on Sony Classics' "Bernstein Century" series. This CD also has one of the most electrifying performances of the Rite of Spring I have heard on it as an extra bonus. Your best bet for Petrouchka is the Deutsche Grammophone recording of the London Symphony under Abbado.
Stravinsky deserves better treatment than this. They couldn't even spell his name right, apparently.

Average customer rating:

Stravinsky: L'Oiseau de feu; Petrouchka Manufacturer: Solstice ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000003VOP Release Date: 1998-02-03

Average customer rating:

Stravinsky: Petrouchka / L'Oiseau de feu Manufacturer: Fioretti Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music ASIN: B00005MLZ2 Release Date: 2001-06-12

Average customer rating: Robin McCabe steals the show Petrushka - An SACD showpiece?

Petrouchka / Firebird (Hybr) Stravinsky , Mccabe , Mackerras , and Lso Manufacturer: Vanguard Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music | Baroque | Classical | General | Modern & 20th Century | Romantic | Sinfonia | Sinfonia Concertante ASIN: B000066TXT Release Date: 2002-06-04

Customer Reviews:

Robin McCabe steals the show.......2004-01-10

Forget about the main work here; the true highlight of this SACD is the astonishing, superhuman Robin McCabe on piano, in the piano transcription of The Firebird - Suite. She plays as fast and as powerfully as two people. Probably included just for filler, this piece is wonderful.

Petrushka - An SACD showpiece?.......2003-02-26

Stravinski's Petrushka is an ideal SACD showpiece. It has orchestral size and color in abundance. This recording highlights those characteristics. The percussion is clear and the rhythms are forceful. In fact, the bass drum is one of the deepest I've encountered in a recording, including those captured on Telarc discs. The various sections of the London Symphony Orchestra have separation and depth, perhaps too much separation, betraying a multi-miked production of the 1970's. Sir Charles Mackerras's interpretation is exciting and not exactly mainstream - a good thing, since it gives insight into the dance melodies that are the basis of the piece. Problems? This recording is too bright! In addition, there is a low frequency hum in the last half of the orchestral section. Most of the time is does not detract from the music, but it is there. As for the piano version of the Firebird, it is the best I've heard of a piano on SACD to date. Musically, it is rewarding, as well.

Music Review:

1. Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Op71; Romeo & Juliet in Bm
2. Tchaikovsky: Piano & Violin Concertos
3. Tchaikovsky Romances
4. Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker/Francesca da Rimini
5. The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 1-5 (Box Set) [Box set]
6. The Instruments of Classical Music, Vol. 6-10 (Box Set) [Box set]
7. The Most Famous Vienna Waltzes [Box set]
8. Verdi; Puccini; Mascagni: Opera [Box set]
9. Wagner: Tannhäuser WWV70; Walküre WWV86b
10. World of the Symphony 1-5 [Box set]

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