Stravinsky:Petrouchka

On this CD:

1. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version) Scene 1:The Shrove-Tide Fair
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by New York Philharmonic with Paul Jacobs
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

2. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version) Scene 2: Petrouchka
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by New York Philharmonic with Paul Jacobs
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

3. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version) Scene 3: The Blackamoor
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by New York Philharmonic with Paul Jacobs
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

4. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version) Scene 4: The Shrove-Tide Fair and the Death of Petrouchka
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by New York Philharmonic with Paul Jacobs
Conducted by Zubin Mehta

Tracks:

Petrouchka: Scene I - The Shrovetide Fair - Vivace - Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Magic Trick - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Russian Dance - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Scene II - Petrouchka's Cell - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Scene III - The Moor's Cell - L'istesso tempo - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Dance Of The Ballerina - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Waltz - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Scene IV - The Fair - Toward Evening - Tempo Giusto - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Wet Nurses' Dance - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Peasant With Bear - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Gypsies And A Rake Vendor - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Dance Of The Coachmen - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Masqueraders - Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Scuffle -Moor And Petrouchka- - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Death Of Petrouchka - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Appearance Of Petrouchka's Ghost - Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Rite Of Spring: The Rite Of Spring -- Part I - The Adoration Of The Earth - Introduction - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Harbingers of Spring - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Mock Abduction - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Spring Khorovod - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Games Of The Rival Tribes - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Procession Of The Wise Elder - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Adoration Of the Earth ; Dance Of The Earth - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Part II - The Sacrifice - Introduction - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Mystic Circles Of The Young Girls - Seiji Ozawa
Glorification Of The Chosen Victim - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Summoning Of The Ancestors - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Ritual Of The Ancestors - Seiji Ozawa
The Rite Of Spring: Sacrificial Dance - Seiji Ozawa
Fireworks: Fireworks, Op. 4 -Fantasy For Orchestra - Seiji Ozawa

Amazon.com

The Boston Symphony was at the peak of its powers when it engaged the 34-year-old Seiji Ozawa for this 1969 recording of Petrushka, in which the orchestra's then 24-year-old assistant conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas, played the extensive solo piano part. Ozawa, in those years, was capable of striking sparks with any orchestra he faced, and there is a palpable sense of excitement to the Petrushka he uncorks here. The accounts of The Rite of Spring and Fireworks, recorded in 1968 with the Chicago Symphony, are equally dynamic and colorful. BMG's long-awaited 24/96 remastering unleashes the breathtakingly open sound of the original tapes for the first time on CD, and may require a volume cut to preserve peace with the neighbors. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

An Odd Release But A Bargain Price for Excellent Performances.......2006-01-14

One wonders why this pairing of Seiji Ozawa and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Michael Tilson Thomas and the Boston Symphony Orchestra all under the spell of Stravinsky was issued. Not that the performances individually need reinforcement because they don't. Perhaps it is the long relationship between Tilson Thomas and Ozawa or their similar approaches to this repertoire that was the driver. Whatever the reason, here are recordings that are a treat.

Tilson Thomas elects the 1947 version of Petrushka and offers a clear-headed, rhythmically sound, exciting performance. The warm Boston sound is intact and enhances his overall mood of the work. Ozawa and the Chicago forces give an all stops out performance of 'Le Sacre du printemps', a performance that is about as visceral and pagan as any on record. And the bonus of the brief but effective 'Feu D'artifice' fantasy is given a robust reading.

There are many recordings of 'Le Sacre du printemps' in the recorded repertoire: obviously every conductor wants to imprint his mark on this masterpiece. The sonics are all-important when the work is recorded and in the case of this recording the sonics are excellent. But there may soon be a startling surprise for lovers of this mighty, historically important music. This week Esa-Pekka Salonen gave a resplendent, detailed, emotionally charged performance that was recorded live by DGG in the Disney Hall. And if the technicians are able to cope with the amazingly live clarity of the acoustics of this grand architectural triumph, the recording may be the gold standard immediately upon release. Salonen has previously and successfully recorded the work with the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1990. The growth in stature in the intervening years has never been more obvious that this current state of Salonen's Stravinsky. Watch for it! Grady Harp, January 06

Great reading of these 2 works.......2005-12-07

Both the Rite of Spring and Petrouska are very well rendered in this recording... Ozawa's reading is insightful and very clear... The recording quality is great... Highly recommend this recording...

Best or not, you'll really love this Rite of Spring.......2004-06-29

Being among my top favorite pieces in the 20th century (after all, this piece turned the view of classical music upside down), I have tested myself listening to various versions by different performers. As far as much as I listened, my top two will have to be Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic (the most brashing, bashin, mind-crushin'!!!) and this equally thrilling performance with Ozawa leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Officially, this is a major highlight throughout Ozawa's conducting legacy, still a very young man with seemly imperishable vigor and force very equilavent to his teacher Lenny. The Boston Symphony is an excellent orchestra to work with (the woodwinds and brass especially); otherwize the Chicago Symphony could have been the only other choice.

In my perspective, I had to admit that, just by focusing on the level of being barbaric and noxious, it slightly lacks that to Lenny, but on the other hand, it's brilliant controlled nail-biting high tempo can cover that.

Definitely worth buying!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!

Totally convincing.......2004-06-16

I have three recordings of "The Rite of Spring". I've known it in every detail since 1972 when I was 17 and I know the score inside out. This is the only performance (recorded or live) that I've ever heard that raised the hairs on the back of my neck, made me grip the seat and break out into a cold sweat, and ultimately made me understand what "The Rite" is all about. The recording does full justice to the performance. This is a "must have" for anyone who wants to understand the point of the work.

The best Rite of Spring.......2004-03-28

Ozawa's account of Stravinsky's most famous ballet is nothing short of astounding. The conductor has the Chicago Symphony playing with total attention. What is so amazing about this recording is that the orchestra is completely controlled and balanced. Although one may prefer a more spontaneous sounding Rite, one would be hard pressed to find a recording with more energy, polish, and power.

Ozawa's Petrouchka (with Michael Tilson Thomas at the piano) is equally amazing. The beauty of phrasing and emotion Ozawa instills into the players of the Boston Symphony orchestra is chilling. Indeed, when this recording was made, Ozawa had just taken the reigns or the orchestra (however, over the years, his energy and intensity has lessened) and they play for their new music director with total conviction.

Fireworks, a short symphonic sketch by the young Stravinsky, shows the influences of his teachers, especially Paul Dukas in the orchestration. Although not a seminal work, the opus 4 is delightful.

Tracks:

Petrushka - Tableau I: The Shrove -Tide Fair: Beginning
Petrushka - Tableau I: The Shrove-Tide Fair: The Crowds
Petrushka - Tableau I: The Shrove-Tide Fair: The Charlatan's Booth
Petrushka - Tableau I: The Shrove-Tide Fair: Russian Dance
Petrushka: Tableau II: Petrushka's Room
Petrushka - Tableau III: The Moor's Room: Beginning
Petrushka - Tableau III: The Moor's Room: Dance Of The Ballerina
Petrushka - Tableau III: The Moor's Room: Waltz (Ballerina and Moor)
Petrushka - Tableau IV: The Shrove - Tide Fair (Near Evening): Beginning
Petrushka - Tableau IV: The Shrove - Tide Fair (Near Evening): Dance Of The Nursemaids
Petrushka - Tableau IV: The Shrove-Tide Fair (Near Evening): Dance Of The Peasant And The Bear
Petrushka - Tableau IV: The Shrove-Tide Fair (Near Evening): Petrushka - Dance Of The Gypsy Girls
Petrushka - Tableau IV: The Shrove -Tide Fair (Near Evening): Dance Of The Coachmen and Grooms
Petrushka - Tableau IV: The Shrove - Tide Fair (Near Evening): The Masqueraders
Petrushka - Tableau IV: The Shrove-Tide Fair (Near Evening): Conclusion (Petrushka's Death)
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Introduction
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part I. The Adoration Of the Earth: Dances of the Young Girls
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Mock Abduction
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Spring Round Dance
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Games of the Rival Tribes
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Procession Of The Wise Elder
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring: Adoration Of The Earth (The Wise Elder)
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part I: The Adoration Of The Earth: Dance Of The Earth
Le Sacre Du Printemps -The Rite Of Spring - Part II: The Sacrifice: Introduction
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part II: The Sacrifice: Mystical Circles Of The Young Girls
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring _ Part II: The Sacrifice: Glorification Of The Chosen Victim
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part II: The Sacrifice: Summoning Of The Ancients
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part II: The Sacrifice: Ritual Of The Ancients
Le Sacre Du Printemps - The Rite Of Spring - Part II: The Sacrifice: Sacrificial Dance

Amazon.com

Whatever the limitations of Stravinsky's baton technique, no one else on disc conjures the same bustling excitement at the outset of Petrouchka. Overlapping, polyrhythmic textures in Petrouchka and in Le Sacre du Printemps come off with Mozartian lucidity, Mendelssonian lightness, and, well, Stravinsky-esque rhythmic exactitude (notwithstanding a few hesitant entrances). The clarity partly stems from the composer's use of his leaner revised scores, helped by close-up, analytical mike work by CBS. There are, of course, slicker, more sonically opulent versions of these 20th century landmarks. And then there are Stravinsky's. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

the best........2007-07-23

i think when the opportunity comes to hear music in exactly the way the author meant it to be heard is a rare gift. with stravinsky himself conducting, his work here is as perfect as it can ever be performed. the Rite of Spring is one of the most important works, i dare say, EVER. Listen with focus and stravinsky's genius is obvious.

Najinsky who?!.......2007-03-09

Nobody does Mr. S like Mr. S. These albums that came out on Columbia are still the ultimate. Why would anyone else bother to try to match the master? This guy was a freaking genius, for goodness sake. You other guys get a life.

Hermann and Stravinsky.......2006-10-10

I hadn't listened to Le Sacre du Printemps in a couple of decades. This recording was like hearing it for the first time.

With nothing to add to the other reviews, I just want to note that when I got to "Harbingers of Spring (Dances of the Young Girls and Boys)," I was struck by the similarity between parts of it and Bernard Hermann's soundtrack for Psycho. One more example of how mid-century US film and and television scoring was influenced by late-19th and early 20th century composers (listen to Debussy's Images in this context).

Powerful rendition.......2004-10-08

This version of the Rite of Spring, is quite simply one of the best versions out there. Stravinsky summons the raw, primitive power, and emotional intensity of this work, and gives it a fresh, almost light touch, very different from other versions of this work. The Petruska is also very good, but Stravinsky tends to take everything at a slightly too quick pace.
(Note for Robert Lewis: very few people interested in classical music would be ignorant enough to attempt to nap to the Rite of Spring, one of the most violent works ever written.)

From the Master.......2004-03-29

I had the great good fortune to attend a concert of Stravinsky's music partially conducted by Stravinsky himself in Beverly Hills, CA. I don't remember the exact year, but it would have been in the late '60s. In other words, just a few years before his passing.
He shared conducting duties with his long-time associate, Robert Craft.

Because of his obvious age and frailty, it was expected he would sort of ceremoniously conduct one or perhaps two of his shorter works, leaving the bulk of the concert to Craft. Imagine my, and the audience's astonishment when we saw in the program that Maestro Stravinsky would be the conductor for several works, culminating in the concluding work on the program, "Le Sacre du printemps".

When the time came for "Le Sacre", the maestro, assisted and with some difficulty, made his way to the podium, at which he, not surprisingly, sat. He gazed at the score for a long moment. Slowly, his gaze rose from the score to his orchestra, which he observed for a few seconds, which seemed like hours. The audience grew silent with expectation. Slowly, deliberately, he raised his baton. And it began. What followed for the next 30 plus minutes was one of the most electrifying, galvanizing, and thrilling performances of anything I have ever seen or heard in my life, before or since.

After the concert I made it a point to chat with several friends of mine who were in the orchetra. I suggested that the orchestra must have been well prepared by Robert Craft so that Maestro Stravinsky would be better able to conserve his energy. To a man (and woman) they assured me that absolutely the opposite was the case. The portions of the concert, including "Le Sacre" that Stravinsky was to conduct were rehearsed, in total, by Stravinsky himself. In addition, Stravinsky attended the rehearsals for the balance of the program and had no problem contributing whatever he felt was necessary to the procedings. They also found him to be extremely alert and utterly charming.

Tracks:

I. Allegro
II. Vivo
III. Andante
IV. Allegro
Scherzo
1. Con Moto
2. Allegro Brillante
3. Andantino
4. Vivo
Souvenir D' Une Marche Boche
Valse Pour Les Enfants
1. Andantino
2. Allegro
3. Allegretto
4. Larghetto
5. Moderato
6. Lento
7. Vivo
8. Pesante
I. Qt. Note = 112
II. Adagietto
III. Qt. Note = 112
I. Hymne
II. Romanza
III. Rondoletto
IV. Cadenza Finala

Tracks:

1. Danse Russe: Allegro Giusto
2. Chez Petrouchka: Stringendo
3. La Semaine Grasse: Con Moto - Allegretto
Piano Rag Music
Tango
I. Presto Doppio Movimento
II. Andante Rapsodico
III. Allegro Capriccioso, Ma Tempo Giusto
I. Largo - Allegro
II. Largo - Cadenza (Poco Rubato)
III. Allegro
I. Qt. Note = 110
II. Qt. Note = 52
III. Qt. Note = 72
Qt. Note = 80
Qt. Note = 104

Customer Reviews:

A large sampling of Stravinsky's piano music........2005-03-04

I bought this cd primarily for "Movements for Piano and Orchestra", a short piece (about 9 minutes) using the 12 tone serial technique developed by Arnold Schoenberg. It is intriguing to hear the "neo-classicist" Stravinsky write in this style. To my ears, and I'm a fan of 12 tone, no new ground is broken here by Stravinsky (the piece was written in 1958-9, seven years after Schoenberg's death) but it's a good piece. The rest of the works are tonal.

I'm not knowledgable as to whether this cd contains all Stravinsky's piano compositions but there is a lot here. Michel Beroff is a fine pianist and the recorded sound is very good. The liner notes are lacking but I've come to expect that from "bargain" classical cds.

This is a two cd package. For $12, I'm very glad to have this set in my collection.

Stravinsky: Le sacre du printemps (Rite Of Spring); Le roi des étoiles; Petrouchka

Average customer rating:

I completely agree with the David Camphor
Bravo!!! MTT/BSO & DG

Stravinsky: Le sacre du printemps (Rite Of Spring); Le roi des étoiles; Petrouchka

Manufacturer: Deutsche Gram. Ger.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Keeping Score: Revolutions in Music - Stravinsky's Rite of Spring

ASIN: B0009ORGN6
Release Date: 2006-07-13

Tracks:

Le Sacre Du Printemps
Le Roi Des Etoiles - Cantata For Choir & Orchestra
Petrushka

Album Details

Collection Du Millenaire.

Customer Reviews:

I completely agree with the David Camphor.......2007-04-05

It is almost 1:00 AM and I am downloading to iTunes my own LP-to-CD recording of this GREAT performance of the Rite of Spring and Zvezdoliki ("King of the Stars") and I decided, once again, to see if it had been released on CD yet. To my great delight, it is now out and available. In my limited survey, no other performance of Le Sacre measured up to this great one with Tilson Thomas. My collection includes Valery Gergiev, Pierre Boulez, Simon Rattle, Antal Dorati, and Charles Dutoit -- all acquired in a futile attempt to find a substitute for this performance. I'm so pleased this is now available.

Bravo!!! MTT/BSO & DG.......2007-01-23

I have this recording on tape and vinyl. I was forever looking for it on CD. It did appear briefly in the digital format, but soon went OOP. So Bravo to DG to reissue this gem. Definitely a Collection Du Millenaire! The star of this offering is the MTT/BSO Rite of Spring. MTT was 27 when he recorded this. If you have Stravinsky's own effort from 1962 with the Columbia Symphony, take a listen. See how close MTT comes to how the great man would have wanted his score rendered. MTT had worked with Stravinsky in LA before his move to BSO at the age of 24. So he knew the composer and it would seem had a sound understanding of this most complex orchestral score. A Rite in wrong hands is often a disaster, but this one? WOW!!! It was recorded in 1972, a year after Stravinsky's death. Perhaps, a personal tribute from MTT? It surely would have made Stravinsky proud. The conducting is superb, the playing electrifying and the capture by DG engineers is fantastic. This formidable performance pulls you right into the music and the savage sacrificial tale. You cannot press stop till the final note. Like Tchaikovsky's 1st symphony performance from MTT/BSO this Rite is another gem from the same era. Mr. Hurwitz & Co. take note! This is a 10/10 reference performance! BRAVO!!! MTT/BSO & DG.

César Franck: Symphony in D Minor; Igor Stravinsky; Pétrouchka [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Stunning Petrouchka!
The best!
Minor course correction
Review of both recorded works
Franck's Symphony set ablaze

César Franck: Symphony in D Minor; Igor Stravinsky; Pétrouchka [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mahler: Symphony No. 4 [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B0009U55RO
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

Lento - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Allegro - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Allegro Non Troppo - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Vivace
The Magic Trick
Russian Dance
Scene II: Petrouchka's Room
Feroce Stringendo
Dance Of The Ballerina
Valse
Con Moto
Wet Nurses' Dance
Peasant With Bear
Gypsies
Dance Of The Coachmen
Masqueraders
Scuffle
Death Of Petrouchka
Petrouchka's Ghost

Customer Reviews:

Stunning Petrouchka!.......2007-02-09

Irrespective of SACD, the remastering is first rate. The Petrouchka is the most vivid and colorful I have ever heard. As the program notes state, Monteux conducted the premiere and clearly has unique insight into the music. This is a "must have" for any Stravinsky aficionado. Consider the Franck an extra bonus, but buy the disk (at a bonus price, to boot) for the Pretrouchka!

The best!.......2007-01-12

I am very familiar with this symphony. I have a vinyl record we bought 30 years ago. I wanted it in CD because our turntable finally quit. The Franck Symphony is most likely my all time favorite symphony. I have recommended it to many music lovers and they all love it.

Minor course correction.......2006-08-13

The Franck recording was state-of-the-art for its time and even today vintage RCA recordings from this era are stand-outs. The SACD is terrific. I'm bewildered anyone would find the sound quality bad or, worse, dismiss the works of engineers of that era who often got spectacular results even in mono! Perhaps if ones ears are tuned entirely to technicolor Telarc stuff...

The Franck D-Minor, for reasons not quite obvious, is not wearing well with time and it's likely that it's one of those extremely Romantic works that needs a highly committed performance to bring it off well. I honestly haven't heard a modern (meaning last 40 years or so) performance that's done that--the temperament is of a wholly different age. However, a top-notch performance sells the work and you get it here, in the Munch recording with the BSO, with an old Silvestri recording from EMI, and with the classic Mengelberg that turns up in various incarnations.

As far as Monteux doing any Stravinsky goes there's no discussion. He got to the heart (and I mean heart) of these works, totally demolishing the myth that Stravinsky was a cold composer.

Review of both recorded works.......2006-03-04

The Frank Symphony showed poor recording technique, that was common as of the date it was recorded. I would rate it 2 stars.

The Stravinsky on the other hand was well performed and recorded and would rate 5 stars.

Therefore I would rate this CD 3 stars.

Franck's Symphony set ablaze.......2005-08-30

Franck's Symphony in D has never been a favorite of mine. For years I have owned Charles Dutoit's 1991 recording with the Montreal Symphony. Every now and then I take it out and try listening to it again, wondering if I'll ever really enjoy it. I've heard a few other recordings, and none have ever excited me much, until I finally heard this classic rendition by Pierre Monteux, recorded in 1961 with the Chicago Symphony.

Monteux captures the Wagnerian sweep of the first movement, but never takes it over the top. It is a marvelously controlled and insightful performance with astonishing sound. RCA recorded this performance in three channel Living Stereo with the same orchestra and venue as the famed Fritz Reiner recordings. On SACD, this sounds far more sumptuous and full than Dutoit's much later digital recording (and the Montrealers were Decca's audiophile superstars in the eighties and nineties). This is simply an essential recording of this piece.

The pairing is no less valuable. Monteux had a close association with Stravinsky, premiering Petroushka with Diaghelev in Paris and presiding over the infamous Rite of Spring riot. This recording, of course, is a much later performance, but it is no less exciting to hear the original master directing. There is no lack of wonderful Petroushka recordings around, many in fine, modern sound; however, this one is superlative in virtually every way. The sound is excellent, aside from a bit of stridency in some of the crescendos. Otherwise, this recording stands with the best of the modern ones, and the performance exceeds most of them.

Don't hesitate. The price certainly can't be beat, especially for a hybrid SACD.

Stravinsky: Le Sacre du printemps/L'Oiseau de feu/Jeu de cartes/Petrouchka/Pulcinella

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

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ASIN: B000001GYI
Release Date: 1997-07-15

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Petrouchka: Fete populaire de la semaine grasse - The Shrovetide Fair
Petrouchka: Danse russe - Russian Dance
Petrouchka: CHez Petrouchka - Petruschka's Room
Petrouchka: CHez la Maure - The Moor's Room
Petrouchka: Valse: La Ballerine et le Maure - Waltz: The Ballerina and the Moor
Petrouchka: Fete populaire de la semaine grasse - The Shrovetide Fair (towards evening)
Petrouchka: Danse des nounous - Dance of the Nursemaids
Petrouchka: L'ours et un paysan - The Bear and the Peasant
Petrouchka: Un marchand fetard avec deux tziganes - The Jovial Merchant with Two Gypsy Girls
Petrouchka: Danse des cochers et des palefreniers - Dance of the Coachmen and Grooms
Petrouchka: The Masqueraders
Petrouchka: La rixe: Le Maure et Petrouchka - The Fight: The Moor and Petrushka
Petrouchka: Mort de Petrouchka - Death of Petrushka
Petrouchka: La police et le charlatan - The Police and the Showman
Petrouchka: Apparition du double de Petrouchka - Apparation of Petrushka
Pulcinella: Ouverture: Allegro mederato
Pulcinella: Serenata: Larghetto
Pulcinella: Scherzino: Allegro
Flaminio, Act III, Checca's Canzona: Poco piu vivo
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Andantino
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Allegretto
Pulcinella: Allegretto assai
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Largo (Trio), Allegro, Presto
Pulcinella: Allegro - alla breve
Pulcinella: Tarantella
Pulcinella: Andantino
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Gavotta con due variazioni
Pulcinella: Vivo
Pulcinella: Tempo di minuetto
Pulcinella: Allegro assai

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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.

Pierre Boulez Edition - Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Petrouchka / New York PO, Cleveland Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Great sound and performances from a 20th-21st century conductor/composer of another 20th century composer
Exceptional Performances
So you want to start listening to classical music....
Unbeatable value, but only one of many
Get this! :)

Pierre Boulez Edition - Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Petrouchka / New York PO, Cleveland Orchestra

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stravinsky: Firebird Suite/Pulcinella Suite
Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet, 1910) / Alexander Scriabin: Prometheus - The Poem of Fire - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra, St. Petersburg / Alexander Toradze
Varese: Arcana; Ameriques; Ionization; Offrandes; Density 21.5; Octandre; Integrales
Stravinsky: The Firebird/Fantaisie for Orchestra Op.4/Four Studies
Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms; Symphony in Three Movements

ASIN: B000002A2M
Release Date: 1995-01-24

Tracks:

Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Fete populaire de la Semaine Grasse - The Shrove-Tide Fair - Jahrmarkt in der Fastnachtswoche
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: La Baraque du Charlaten - The Charlatan's Booth - Die Bude des Gauklers
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Dance russe - Russian Dance - Russischer Tanz
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Petrushka's Room - Chez Petrouchka - Petrushka's Room - Bei Petruschka
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Chez le Maure - The Moor's Room - Bei dem Mohren
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Dance de la Ballerine - Dance Of The Ballerina - Tanz der Ballerina
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Valse - La Ballerine et le Maure - Waltz - The Ballerina And The Moor - Walzer - Die Ballerina und der Mohr
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Fete populaire de la Semaine Grasse (vers le soir ) - Dance des Nounous - The Shrove - tide Fair (towards evening) - Dance Of The Wet-Nurses - Jahrmarkt in der Fastnachtswoche (gegen Abend) - Tanz der Ammen
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: L' Ours et un paysan - The Bear And The Peasant - Der Bar und ein Bauer
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Un Marchand fetard avec deux Tziganes - The Jovial Merhant With Two Gypsy Girls - Der genubsuchtige Kaufmann mit zwei Zigeunerinnen
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Dance des cochers et des palefreniers - Dance Of The Coachmen And Grooms - Tanz der Kutscher und Stallknechte
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Les Deguises - The Masqueraders - Die Maskierten
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: La Rixe: Le Maure et Petrouchka - The Fight: The Moor And Petrushka - Der Kampf : Der Mohr und Petruschka
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: Mort de Petrouchka - Death Of Petrushka - Petruschkas Tod
Petrushka: Bulesque In Four Scenes: La Police et le Charlaten - Apparition du double de Petrouchka - The Police And The Charlaten - Apparition Of Petrushka's Double - Die Polizei und der Gaukler - Erscheinung von Petrushkas Geist
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Introduction - Lento
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Les Augures printaniers (Danses des adolescentes) - The Augurs Of Spring (Dance Of The Young Girls) - Vorboten des Fruhlings (Tanze der jungen Madchen)
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Jeu du rapt - Mock Abduction - Spiel der Entfuhrung
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Rondes printanieres - Spring Round Dances - Fruhlingsreigen
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Jeux des cites rivales - Games Of The Rival Tribes - Spiel der feindlichen Stamme
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Cortege du Sage - Procession Of The Wise Elder - Prozession des weisen Alten
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Adoration de la terre (Le Sage) - Adoration Of The Earth (The Wise Elder) - Anbetung der Erde (Der wiese Alte)
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Dance de la terre - Dance Of The Earth -Tanz der Erde
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Introduction - Largo
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Cercles mysterieux des adolescentes - Mystical Circles Of The Young Girls - Geheimnisvolle Krise der jungen Madchen
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Glorification de l' Elue - Glorification Of The Chosen Victim - Verherrlichung der Auserwahlten
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Evocation des ancetres - Summoning Of The Ancestors - Anrufung der Ahnen
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Action rituelle des ancetres - Ritual Of The Ancestors - Weihevolle Handlung der Ahnen
The Rite Of Spring: Scenes Of Pagan Russia In Two Parts: Dance sacrale (L' Elue ) - Sacrificial Dance (The Chosen Victim) - Opfertanz (Die Auserwahlte)

Amazon.com essential recording

With the New York Philharmonic on its best behavior, Pierre Boulez uncorks a reading of Petrushka that is vibrant, energetic, and full-voiced, with razor-sharp rhythm and ensemble. The solos, played by the likes of Julius Baker (flute) and Paul Jacobs (piano), have never been more effectively done. The recording, with the sizzling sonics typical of CBS's multitrack heyday, offers an X-ray of the score; the remastering is excellent. Pierre Boulez's interpretation of The Rite of Spring is perhaps more French than Russian, but it's impressive nonetheless. While it emphasizes structure, clarity, and texture over raw energy and visceral excitement, and always keeps something in reserve, it is tellingly potent in the "Glorification of the Chosen One" and the "Sacrificial Dance." In this account Boulez and the Cleveland Orchestra established a new standard for ensemble, virtuosity, and idiomatic execution of the music, and their recording remains one of the great achievements of the stereo era. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Great sound and performances from a 20th-21st century conductor/composer of another 20th century composer.......2005-09-19

Pierre Boulez leads brilliant, blistering performances of 2 of Stravinsky's famous ballets, "Petrouchka" (1911) and "The Rite of Spring" (1913). The New York Philharmonic recording of "Petrouchka" (recorded in 1971) has moderate tempos in many places, and Boulez is nicely nuanced where needed. Stravinsky's colorful orchestration is always apparent, and Boulez lets the music speak for itself: the elements of cruelty and grotesquery are always obvious in Stravinsky's score of a somewhat disturbed plot, written just a few years prior to World War I, a time of political and social upheaval and instability. This is a fascinating recording, and I've heard many: Ormandy (Sony), Bernstein/New York (CBS), Dutoit/London Symphony (DG), Ansermet (Decca), Rahbari (Naxos), Craft (Naxos), Monteux/Paris Conservatoire (London LP), and Stravinsky/Columbia Symphony (CBS). Boulez tends to be clinical in parts of the score, and Stravinsky can take it. Very fine recording.

"Le Sacre du Printemps" (the rite of spring) recorded in 1969 with the Cleveland Orchestra, is also excellent. Boulez keeps the motion and momentum going throughout the Part I and II, up to the "sacrificial dance" (final movement) - where he takes a tempo which is slower than usual. Boulez's tempo is not too slow, nor does it drag, but it is slower than Bernstein/New York (Columbia LP), Ancerl (Supraphon), Abbado/London (DG), or Mehta/New York (Sony).

Sound in both recordings is excellent, better than many DDD recordings made in the past 15 years. Highly recommended, as a souvenir of one great conductor/composer interpreting another.

Exceptional Performances.......2005-08-06

Pierre Boulez, according to some, is known for being too analytical and quite dry in just about everything he does. The recordings come out as meticulously well-played and quite clear, but atmospherically and musically bland. However, I believe there are exceptions: this recording of two of Stravinsky's warhorses is one of them.

Beginning with Petrouchka, Boulez's reputation for making an ensemble play virtuosically and with great clarity is proven. Even while someone may have complained about there not being equal treatment in recording balance, I got the feeling that it sounded more like sitting in an orchestra hall. The soloists play their hearts out (as does the rest of the orchestra) and I have not found anything to complain about.

The excitement of Petrouchka ends and I feel myself begging for more excellent music, and to my relief, Rite of Spring begins with that eerie bassoon solo. I got to thinking that if the beginning solo was any indication of what was to come from the rest of the orchestra on this masterpiece, I was in for a ride I didn't want to get off. The colors and timbre the orchestra put forth and the blend just blew me away. I could feel the terror of this music and it was ingratiating.

Sonics on this recording are top notch and have been since its 'silver disc' debut 11 years ago. So with the quality of sound and quality of performance adding up to top notch, my conclusion is get it and don't regret it. At the price Amazon offers it for, it's a STEAL.

So you want to start listening to classical music...........2004-07-19

This is a pretty good place to start for neophytes. Stravinsky was ahead of much of the pack and at the same time never really dove completely into 12-tone, and these two are his definitive works. Plus, you can always count on Boulez to give a straightforward reading of anything he's involved with.

Unbeatable value, but only one of many.......2003-12-05

The Rite of Spring is easily one of the most significant pieces of music ever written. Every time I hear a radio station having a listeners' poll of "best pieces of classical music," the Rite is always among the top 5. Though the piece can be challenging for those who have never heard Stravinsky, it's a profound piece that yields more enjoyment with each listen (so the first hundred listens are certainly in the "learning" stage).

Among the recordings out there, each accentuates different aspects of the complexity of Stravinsky's score, and a good handful are worth having. Some are noteworthy for their sheer force, while others for their clarity and refinement. This one, an earlier recording of Cleveland under Boulez, is a nice balance of precision and force. Compared to others, it can seem uninteresting, though. At a budget price, however, it certainly provides return for the dollar. Boston under Ozawa (Reference) is a much more forceful and exact performance, and is also sold at a budget price.

Most of the best recordings are still at full price. Boulez has changed drastically in the last 2 decades--now he is less dogmatic, more flexible, and better liked by orchestra players. Since recording quality has also made great strides, the recent recording of Petrouchka and the Rite with Cleveland under Boulez is hard to pass up. The Petrouchka is especially charming. It is only about $3 more, and every bit worth it.

For sheer force, I have always preferred Saint Louis under Leonard Slatkin, though this may be out of print. For precision, the recent recording of San Francisco under Tilson Thomas cannot be beat.

Comparable to the 1969 Boulez/Cleveland, Karajan's with the Berlin Philharmonic is also a classic, notable for its consistency and depth of musicianship, though Karajan audibly struggles with his orchestra at times (I always found this to add "drama" to the work). For recording quality, perhaps the best is Minnesota under Oue, which is also an amazingly clear and exact reading, but perhaps reserved.

In sum, the 1969 Boulez recording is a classic recording for a budget price, but I'd probably go for the Ozawa for the same price. In any event, Tilson Thomas's is amazing and worth every dollar at full price, and Boulez's more recent one is also good.

Get this! :).......2003-08-17

This album is great... excellent performances and really, really great music.... and it's cheap, too!

Scriabin: Sonata No. 3; Five Preludes; Medtner: Sonata Reminiscenza; Stravinsky: Three Movements from Pétrouchka

Average customer rating:

Excellent music from my favorite pianist!
Bravo, Zhenya!
Phenomenal Stravinsky, worth the price of admission alone
This is a must-have recording

Scriabin: Sonata No. 3; Five Preludes; Medtner: Sonata Reminiscenza; Stravinsky: Three Movements from Pétrouchka

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Evgeny Kissin Plays Chopin
Rachmaninoff: Concerto No. 2; Etudes-Tableaux
Schubert: Piano Sonata in B-flat; Schubert-Liszt: Four Songs; Liszt: Mephisto

ASIN: B000AYEJ08
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

Five Preludes, Op. 15; No. 1 - Andante
Five Preludes, Op. 15; No. 2 - Vivo
Five Preludes, Op. 15; No. 3 - Allegro Assai
Five Preludes, Op. 15; No. 4 - Andantino
Five Preludes, Op. 15; No. 5 - Andante
Sonata No. 3 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 23; Dramatico
Sonata No. 3 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 23; Allegretto
Sonata No. 3 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 23; Andante
Sonata No. 3 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 23; Presto con fuoco
Sonata - Reminiscenza in A Minor, Op. 38 No. 1
Three Movements from Petrouchka; No. 1 - Danse russe
Three Movements from Petrouchka; No. 2 - Chez Petrouchka
Three Movements from Petrouchka; No. 3 - La semaine grasse

Amazon.com

On this record, the playing's the thing. A lesser pianist could hardly hold the listener's interest in these sonatas by Scriabin (who had messianic delusions) and Medtner (who never found much recognition outside Russia), or meet the Herculean demands of the Stravinsky pieces. Scriabin's Preludes are charming, poetic, dreamy miniatures of contrasting tempo and character; the Sonata's corner movements are dramatic and fiery, the second surges, the third is lyrical and atmospheric. Scriabin attached an ambitious program, but the music speaks for itself, although in a very idiosyncratic language. Medtner's Sonata, composed when he was about to leave Russia, is romantically tuneful, melancholy and ruminative, with a feeling of nostalgia and perhaps anticipated homesickness. Stravinsky's transcription of the Petrouchka excerpts, written for Arthur Rubinstein, are among the most hair-raising bravura pieces in the repertoire. It is hard to believe that ten fingers can negotiate these torrents of notes, clusters of chords, leaps and runs. Kissin's virtuosity is not only spectacular but seems entirely effortless; his right hand literally does not know what his left hand is doing as they simultaneously produce different rhythms, articulation, and dynamics. Perhaps even more remarkable are his sense of poise and balance, his emotional range, his ability to change mood and character instantly. His tone is invariably beautiful; his control of volume, touch, color, and inflection can give it a gossamer delicacy and a radiant shimmer; even at its most forceful and percussive, it never sounds harsh. --Edith Eisler

Customer Reviews:

Excellent music from my favorite pianist!.......2007-01-12

It is pretty obvious that if you take an extraordinary composer like Scriabin or Stravinsky, and combine that with a master pianist, the result will be beyond mortal words. Kissin's piano playing is on level with the great 20th century pianists such as Horowitz, Rubinstein, and Rachmaninoff, and dare I say it, even better sometimes (well, maybe not *better* than Rach, but at least equal). He has such a mastery of technique that he can utilize all his strength pouring expression into the music. When playing extremely difficult music such as Petrouchka, it is difficult enough to play the song flawlessly, let alone bring out the vivid contrasts and tone colors. But Kissin, the master, is beyond the technique and in the realm of pure thought. He conveys the music behind the music.

Thus, when Kissin plays Scriabin, we hear the insane man rambling and raving, shouting at the top of his voice, then stopping for a bit to mutter some more. The music conveys much other than pure insanity, but still there are always the terrible underpinnings and the foundation that still keeps Scriabin sane enough to be coherent seem to be shaking. Kissin carries this all perfectly.

Medtner's piece is nice, nothing that will jump out and grab you, but nevertheless beautiful and a good listen.

Stravinsky is where the real gems lie. The music is bold and rather flashy, but there is still meaning underneath the shiny gold coat. Moments of peace and reflection are present, and one sees moments of romanticality before they are shattered again by the flashing and incredibly technical unconventionalities of the themes. Smashing chord clusters interject, then odd intervals lend a strange sound to the music. The most extraordinary fantasies appear, beautiful foreign worlds floating in mist and cloud... Kissin brings us so much to think upon with this music. It almost seems superhuman at times.

An absolute must for any lover of true art. 5++++++ stars.

Bravo, Zhenya!.......2006-04-09

When the host of CBC Radio "Sound Advice" Rick Phillips played few extracts from this CD, I was intrigued. When he gave it 3 stars, I was even more intrigued - it certainly didn't make any sense. And in order to have a clear picture I got this recording and listened to it.
This CD is a success! Kissin catches well Skryabin's style, sensuous on the one hand and impulsive on the other. Third Sonata is nicely structured and its slow movement mesmerizes. Skryabin's preludes, made of crystal, are little orchid-like gems. Medtner's piece has beautiful moments, nice touch in lyrical episodes. The interpretation of Stravinsky is simply incredible! You forget it's a piano - colors, timbres, steel rhythm, excellent conducting thinking - you have a full orchestra and the Bolshoi Theatre ballet in front of you. Kissin's pianism is impressive, nothing escapes his sensitive ear. I give it 5 stars. Excellent work!

Phenomenal Stravinsky, worth the price of admission alone.......2006-01-26

Scriabin is generally less accessable to listeners because of the composer's later style. Nonetheless, works such as the Ninth Sonata "Black Mass" and the progressive Fifth Sonata are frequently performed. It's no surprise, however still disappointing, that Kissin sticks to earlier works by Scriabin. Sonata No. 3 is probably the most accessible work by the composer. Nonetheless, Kissin delivers a spectacular performance of the work. You will notice when you first hear the first movement, you will be gripped by it almost instantly. This work was practically written for Kissin. My only complaint about the performance is that the last movement gets a little bit out of control in terms of clarity with Kissin's intensity, but not too much so. Nevertheless, I would say this is the definitive recording of this work.

I wish that Kissin had selected something other than the set of preludes included on this disc. They are beautifully played, but not one of the more interesting works by Scriabin. It is filler. Selected etudes from Op. 8 would be be better, particularly a rendition of the d# minor etude.

I'm not really that opinionated on the Medtner piece. It is well played, but I don't expect people will be buying the CD for that piece alone. If you're looking for the standard for the Medtner piece, look for the Gilels recording.

The main reason I bought this CD was for the Stravinsky Petrouchka. Until now, I had felt that the standard for this work was Pollini's well-known recording on DG. Kissin achieves an impressive palette of sound in his performance. It's much more interesting to listen to than the cold Pollini rendition. It achieves a great balance between Pollini's technical perfection, which Kissin achieves or surpasses even, and Gilel's color.

To summarize: Spectacular recordings of both the Stravinsky Petrouchka and the Scriabin Sonata. Highly recommended. However, don't expect much change from the usual Kissin formula.

This is a must-have recording.......2005-10-09

I heard Evgeny Kissin play all of the works on this disc in two separate concerts. Like the live accounts, they are played about as well as is humanly possible to play them (and then some).

Most of Scriabin's music is something of an acquired taste - I've been trying to "get" his music for many years, but I just can't. The word 'brutal' is the only word I can think of to describe it. I know from having tried to sight read some the scores myself, that almost all of it is extremely difficult.

Having said that, the Preludes and Sonata No.4 are immensely enjoyable in Kissin's hands. He practically paints the music, achieving gradations of touch and tone that make it sound better than it is.

I had never heard any of Medtner's works before and this Sonata is a good introduction. The piece seems like it's on the verge of breaking out into Chopin's style of lyricism, but not quite getting there. I found Kissin's playing of it to be completely convincing. And again, his tone throughout is really beautiful.

Right from the beginning, Petrushka is all glitter and dazzle and Kissin milks it for all it's worth. His technique is so amazing that I found myself asking: how is is possible for anyone to play like this? I had the same reaction when I heard him play it at his last recital in DC.

Part of the reason that I give this CD such high marks is the recorded sound itself. It's just about ideal: resonant, without any harshness in tone (except when the music requires it).

Stravinsky: Petrouchka; Firebird Suite [Hybrid SACD]

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0001IN0EO
Release Date: 2004-04-27

Tracks:

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

Stravinsky: Le sacre du printemps; Pétrouchka

Average customer rating:

Savage, Prehistoric Russia

Stravinsky: Le sacre du printemps; Pétrouchka

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Monteux Sibelius Symph#2 + Stravinsky Firebird Suite
César Franck: Symphony in D Minor; Igor Stravinsky; Pétrouchka [Hybrid SACD]
Keeping Score: Revolutions in Music - Stravinsky's Rite of Spring
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B0002VYDXW
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Amazon.com

The amount of sheer history present in this release threatens to overwhelm its musical value. Monteux conducted the world premieres of both of these works, and these recordings commemorate returns to the orchestra he had directed just after the First World War. Petruschka, in sparkling 1959 stereo, lacks the violence and visionary character heard in some of the best performances (like Stokowski/Philadelphia). But its clarity and musical impulse are really treasurable, and combined with the playing of the great orchestra they make for a memorable version even though it leaves some things unsaid. The Rite of Spring is 1951 mono, but the clarity of the recording and its impact hold up surprisingly well. If you want sheer viciousness (a worthwhile quality in this music) look for the deleted Dorati/Minneapolis Mercury CD. For a performance that treats this piece for its musical values, Monteux is extremely gratifying. It's difficult to believe the legend that the conductor didn't like this music! RCA's new remastering is marginally clearer than the previous RCA Gold Seal addition, and the price is right. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Savage, Prehistoric Russia.......2007-04-20

"The Rite of Spring" by Stravinsky is the ground-breaking work that shattered the conventional "Romantic" style of it's day. It portrays the savage world of prehistoric Russia. An animal passion seems to drive the work to a thundering climax. Bernstien's version is too self-indulgent; Boulez is too cold; even Stravinsky's own recording does not measure up to Monteux's passion and French polish. Monteux also premiered the work in 1911.

Comparisons: Bernstein/Israel Phil. Orch.; Boulez/Cleveland Orch.;Stravinsky

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