Igor Stravinsky: Symphony In C/Symphony In Three Movements

On this CD:

1. Symphony in C, for orchestra in C Major
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Conducted by Wilfred Wilson Gibson

2. Symphony in Three Movements, for orchestra
Composed by Igor Stravinsky
Performed by Royal Scottish National Orchestra with Raymond O'Connell
Conducted by Wilfred Wilson Gibson

Tracks:

Symphony in Three Movements: I - Overture; Allegro
Symphony in Three Movements: II - Andante; Interlude: L'istesso tempo
Symphony in Three Movements: III - Con moto
Symphony In C: I - Moderato alla breve
Symphony In C: II - Larghetto concertante
Symphony In C: III - Allegretto
Symphony In C: IV - Largo; Tempo giusto, alla breve
Symphony Of Psalms: Part I
Symphony Of Psalms: Part II
Symphony Of Psalms: Part III

Amazon.com essential recording

Stravinsky was seldom the best conductor of his own music, but this disc of his three symphonies is an exception. In the first place, none of them are all that difficult to conduct--at least compared to some of his earlier works--and he seems to have been in particularly good form throughout these recording sessions. He gets a particularly enthusiastic response from his Canadian forces in the Symphony of Psalms--one of this century's great choral masterworks, and seems to really enjoy the neo-classical elegance of the Symphony in C. Of all of the individual releases from Sony's complete Stravinsky edition, this one has pride of place. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

About as Good as Stravinsky (the composer) gets........2007-01-16

After listening to several of his 'classical period' stuff, especially his operas, I was really pleased to listen to these works which contain elements which made his ballets the great works they are. Being a sucker for choral works, I especially liked the Symphonie of Psalms. Hurray for CD's of classic recordings.

A prized recording.......2004-07-07

Igor Stravinsky conducts three of his own masterpieces in this compilation of recordings from the 1960's. SYMPHONY IN THREE MOVEMENTS was inspired by wartime newsreels. The vitriolic outer movements show definite jazz and big-band influence - which the CBC orchestra glories in - while the second movement is of a classical tranquility and grace. The elegant SYMPHONY IN C was meant as a tribute to Haydn and Bach; but the haunting, unresolved bitonal chord that dissolves into silence in the end makes the work quintessentially modern. And the SYMPHONY OF PSALMS, one of the great religious works of the 20th century, is heavenly music; Stravinsky and his forces give it an austere reading of almost chamber-music clarity. These performances leave nothing to be desired. This CD has become one of my most prized recordings.

Essential.......2004-05-26

Who better to interpret a composer's music than the composer himself? This CD is an excellent introduction to these 20th-century masterworks. THREE MOVEMENTS bristles with explosive energy and PSALMS is austere and perfectly controlled, the lines of polyphony in the second movement coming through with extraordinary clarity. Not only is this a great recording, but it is an important historical document which tells us how Stravinsky intended these works to sound. As such, it could be an important reference to other conductors. I enjoyed this recording very much and I highly recommend it.

History more important than the Sound........2001-01-12

OK, so this recording was made a long time ago, and it shows.

Never mind! You will never hear grander performances of these three works. Who better to interpret Stravinsky's music than the composer himself?

The two orchestral symphonies are wonderful, but the prize on this recording is the Symphony of Psalms. The first time I ever heard the piece was at a San Francisco Symphony concert with Stravinsky conducting-- an electrifying experience. This recording, though it's of a different performance, captures that moment perfectly. I can close my eyes and see Stravinsky's tight, coiled beat-- can watch the concertmaster's eyes as he was transfixed by the composer's every move-- can see the awe-struck chorus members as they nervously blended with the orchestra.

And I can relive that moment when the sound died finally away and the audience leaped as one person to its feet.

If music can change people (and it can), then this music will change people forever.

Conductor-Proof Stravinsky: The Best of the Best.......2000-10-09

Stravinsky's version of "Symphony of Psalms" is MUCH, MUCH better than the Bernstein version picked over it in the Penguin Classical guide. It's odd that Stravinsky himself liked Bernstein's interpretation of his famous piece, considering his openly stated horror of 'interpretations' (such as Karajan's and Stokowoski's) and his life-long quest to write conductor-proof music, because his own version couldn't be more different; it has all the rough edges, rhythmic vitality, sense of danger, and precisely controlled tempos that Bernstein's lacks. Bernstein's version is for sleepwalkers only.

Tracks:

Fireworks, Op.4 - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Danse Infernale De Tous Les Sujets De Kastchei - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Berceuse (L'Oiseau De Feu) - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Reveil De Kastchei - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Mort De Kastchei - Profonds Tenebres - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Disparition Du Palais Et Des Sortileges De Kastchei, Animation Des Chevaliers Petrifies Allegresse Generale - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Opening - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Shrove-tide Fair - Philharmonia Orchestra
The Charlatan's Booth - Philharmonia Orchestra
Russian Dance - Philharmonia Orchestra
Petrushka's Room - Philharmonia Orchestra
Introduction - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Les Augures Printanieres (Danse Des Adolescentes) - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Jeu Du Rapt - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Rondes Printanieres - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Jeux Des Cites Rivales - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Cortege Du Sage - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Adoration De La Terre (Le Sage) - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Danse De La Terre - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
I. Andante - Members Of The CBC Symphony Orchestra
II. Napolitana - Members Of The CBC Symphony Orchestra
III. Espanola - Members Of The CBC Symphony Orchestra
IV. Balalaika - Members Of The CBC Symphony Orchestra
Ragtime For 11 Instruments - Toni Koves
Marche Royale - Columbia Chamber Ensemble
Petit Concert - Columbia Chamber Ensemble
Piano Rag Music - Igor Stravinsky
Sinfonia (Ouverture) - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Gavotta Con Due Variazioni - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
I. Sinfonia - London Sinfonietta
III. Allegro - Philippe Entremont

Tracks:

Part I. Exaudi Orationem Meam - London Symphony Chorus
IV. Capriccio - Cho-Liang Lin
Chant Sants Paroles - Israel Baker
Premiere Donne - Cleveland Orchestra
I. Tempo Giusto - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
III. Allegretto - London Symphony Orchestra
The Star-Spangled Banner - The Festival Singers Of Toronto
I. Intrada - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Circus Polka (For A Young Elephant) - CBC Symphony Orchestra
Scherzo A La Russe - Philharmonia Orchestra
III. Con Moto - London Symphony Orchestra
I. Allegro Moderato - Benny Goodman
Good People, Just A Moment - Colin Tilney
Tango - Columbia Jazz Combo
Greeting Prelude (For The Eightieth Birthday Of Pierre Monteux) - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
II. Ma Tu, Cagion Di Quella - Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Elegy For J.F.K. - Charles Russo
Fanfare For A New Theatre - Robert Nagel
II. Exaudi - Donald Gramm
III. Dies Irae - Donald Gramm
IV. Tuba Mirum - Donald Gramm
The Owl And The Pussycat - Robert Craft
Stravinsky In His Own Words - John McClure

Customer Reviews:

A Fabulous Introduction to Igor Stravinsky!!.......2004-05-19

Sony Music's "The Essential Igor Stravinsky" truly lives up to its title. This double-CD set includes nearly every important piece of work (either in part or in whole) by the great Russian composer. The set also presents the pieces in chronological order beginning in 1908 with "Fireworks" and ending in 1966 with his final piece, the short but simple "Owl and The Pussycat". In between, there are excerpts from Stravinsky's most famous works including the first part of "The Rite Of Spring" and highlights from the "Firebird" and "Petrushka" ballets. There are also lesser-known works included as well as his harmonically rearranged version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" (a rendition which caused a stir in the early 1940's). The entire collection concludes with a rare recorded interview with Igor Stravinsky himself in which he remembers the infamous premere of "The Rite Of Spring".
The CD booklet includes detailed liner notes as well as a written tribute by Trey Anastasio of the band Phish. The sound quality of the recordings is amazing (even on the historic 1934 recording of "Piano Rag Music"). All in all, this an excellent collection of works by the great Igor Stravinsky. In a sense, this compilation gives the composer the 'rock musician' treatment. It's a 'greatest hits' album and a career-spanning retrospective that serves as an ideal introduction to Igor's music. Even if your not a fan of Classical music, it isn't difficult to listen to the works of Stravinsky and not be stirred.
Definitely The Essential Igor Stravinsky!!!

Average customer rating:

Fantastic compilation
Stravinsky sorprendente
Wonderful - Especially The Violin Concerto!
A Great Compilation for Stravinsky Music!

Stravinsky: Symphonies and Concertos

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Stravinsky: Three Greek Ballets (Apollo, Agon, Orpheus)
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ASIN: B0000041AF
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Symphony In C: Moderato alla breve - Tempo agitato senza troppo accelerare - Tempo I
Symphony In C: Larghetto concertante
Symphony In C: Allegretto - meno mosso - Tempo I - Piu mosso - Tempo I
Symphony In C: Largo - Tempo giusto, alla breve - Poco meno mosso
Symphony in Three Movements: Allegro
Symphony in Three Movements: Andante - Interlude (L'istesso tempo)
Symphony in Three Movements: Con moto
Symphonies for Wind Instruments

Tracks:

Violin Concerto In D: Toccata
Violin Concerto In D: Aria
Violin Concerto In D: Aria
Violin Concerto In D: Capriccio
Ebony Concerto: Allegro moderato
Ebony Concerto: Andante
Ebony Concerto: Moderato
Symphony Of Psalms: Exaudi orationem mea, Domine
Symphony Of Psalms: Expectans expectavi Dominum
Symphony Of Psalms: Alleluia, laudate Dominum

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic compilation.......2006-04-17

You won't be disappointed in this compilation ....all great
choices in the selection of numbers, although the highlight
does seem to be "Violin Concerto".

In terms of sound, it's also very clear, very well recorded,
and there's a balanced selection of moods on these 2 CD.

Stravinsky sorprendente.......2004-12-03

Que Stravinsky nos sorprenda no es algo nuevo, fue y sera para siempre un compositor innovador y sorprendente, pero al oir estas obras sabra que habia mas sorpresas en la cabeza del compositor ruso.
Comienza la audicion y nos encontramos con una sinfonia postmodernista en la linea clasica, brillante, genial; continua en esta linea la sinfonia en tres movimientos que es una obra extraordinaria, poco compleja para el genio rusa pero encantadora.
Sir Colin Davis se hace cargo de estas obras y al igual que como lo hace con Sibelius nos demuestra su versatilidad y manejo de la obrea sinfonica de cualquier autor.
Edo de Waart junto al conjunto de instrumentos de viento de Holanda se encarga de dos bellezas musicales de estructura casi camaresca son bellisimos, simples y originales.
Aparece ahora una genialidad, un concierto para violin cercano a Bartok si se quiere, solo para aproximarlo, grandioso, innovador, genial en la soberbia interpretacion del afamado Arthur Grumiax. Para este solista nada mejor que la orquesta del concertgebouw (de recio sonido)dirigidos por el prolijo Ernest Bour.
Finalizamos esta sorprendente coleccion con la Sinfonia de los Salmos, que es casi un oratorio,partes que podrian ser los tiempos de una sinfonia pero que, se acercan mas a momentos de una liturgia, son bellos simples, exultantes de luminosidad y reflexion. Igor Markevitch el director ruso de tomo y lomo, se une a la sinfonica de Rusia, a coros masculinos y otros solistas para entregarnos esta version generosa e impactante.

Wonderful - Especially The Violin Concerto!.......2004-05-28

This set is worth its modest price just to have Grumiaux in the Violin Concerto, with Ernest Bour and the Concertgebouw providing a virtual x-ray of this marvelous score. Grumiaux provides an object lesson for other violinists in how to combine extraordinarily crisp rhythm with soaring lyricism. Bour demonstrates once again how he was one of the 20th Century's most eloquent advocates of modern music. This is far and away the finest current reading - it very nearly eclipses my benchmark for this piece: Samuel Dushkin with the composer conducting in a 1935 Paris recording on DG.

A wonderful bonus is Markevitch performing the Symphony of Psalms. What a stunning reading! And such a glorious chorus! I actually prefer this reading to Stravinsky's own stereo account, and it comes close to the sheer ecstacy of the composer's antique 1931 recording.

Colin Davis is not one of my favorites, but I have to say he delivers crisp, no-nonsense accounts in both the Sym. in C and the Sym. in 3 Movements. Here, though, I still prefer the composer's various accounts in each work. Finally, the virtuoso Netherlands Wind Ensemble provides the best played versions of the Symphonies for Wind Instruments and the Ebony concerto I have had the pleasure of hearing. Once again, I marginally prefer the composer's mono accounts here: his version of the former was slower and more mysterious, and in the latter he had Woody Herman & Co. in full swing. But neither was as expertly played as these Dutch readings - and the sound here is simply terrific.

This CD set is a wonderful introduction to the kaleidoscopic variety of Stravinsky's music. Be sure to hear that Violin Concerto - it's one of the great performances of ANY concerto.

A Great Compilation for Stravinsky Music!.......2000-05-18

I have to say that I'm not the biggest Stravinsky fan and in fact I have something of a dislike for a lot of 20th Century music if you even call some of the 20th Century works music. So, why did I buy this CD? I'll get to that in a second. You see, I have only truly cared for one of Stravinsky's masterpieces and that was his Symphony of Psalms.

The Symphony of Psalms has always appealed to me for some reason or another and I can never quite put my finger on exactly what that one thing or another is. Perhaps it's the haunting melody that begins the piece in "Exaudi orationem meam" due to its sort of sensation of being forced along at a tempo that never rests and only builds. Then again, perhaps its the amazing "Expectans expectavi Dominum" with it's constant fading in and out of the main melody and constant evolution on throughout the end. There is also a section in "Laudate Dominum" which sounds as if it belonged in a horror movie scene due to the chant which the choir sings and the pianos accompany. What ever the reason there was something about this piece and this piece alone that I simply clingged on to.

So, why buy this CD? More importantly why even dare buy anything but just that piece of music and that piece of music alone. Well, I thought that I might as well, get this CD even though I knew, I just knew, I would dread all the other pieces on it. I just knew that I'd regret that I couldnt just buy the sections of the 2CD set that contained the Symphony of Psalms tracks. I just knew it.

Tracks:

Sinf To Cant, BWV 29 'Wir Danken Dir Gott, Wir Danken Dir'
Choral: 'Wachet Auf, Ruft Uns Die Stimme', BWV 645
Badinerie-Ste For Orch No.2 in b, BWV 1067
Voluntary in a
Trumpet Tune in D
Toccata in d
Toccata in f
Toccata in g
Allegro From Organ Con No. 10 in d, Op.7
Sarabande, BWV 977
Basse Et Dessus De Trompette
Fugue in G, BWV 577 ('Gigue')
Hornpipe From The Water Music
Flotenuhrstucke (Pieces for Musical Clock) in C
Flotenuhrstucke in D
Flotenuhrstucke in G
Canon in A-Flat
Canon in b
Valse Oubliee No.1
March From 'The Love Of the Three Oranges'
Hautbois D'Armour From 'Jeux D'Orgue'
Tutti Ostinati From 'Jeux D'Orgue'
Improvisation On The Theme, 'Greensleeves'

Tracks:

Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Gnomus
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Ancient Castle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Argument Among The Children
Pictures At An Exhibition: A Polish Oxcart
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Chicks In The Shells
Pictures At An Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuyle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Market Place At Limoges
Pictures At An Exhibition: Catacombs-Roman Sepulchre
Pictures At An Exhibition: Baba Yaga, The Hut On Fowl's Legs
Pictures At An Exhibition: The Great Gate At Kiev
Three Dances From Petrouchka: Danse Russe
Three Dances From Petrouchka: Chez Petrouchka
Three Dances From Petrouchka: La Semaine Grasse

Tracks:

Toccata And Fugue in d, BWV 565
Recit De Tierce En Taille
Fant in f, K.608
Hyperion, Or The Rhetoric Of Fire: First Movt: Hermes
Hyperion, or The Rhetoric Of Fire: Second Movt: The Fires Of Silence
Hyperion, Or The Rhetoric Of Fire: Third Movt: The Inflamed Soul
Hyperion, Or The Rhetoric Of Fire: Fourth Movt: Agni-Ignis
First Movt From Sym No.5, Allegro Vivace
Fant And Fugue On The Name 'B.A.C.H.'

Stravinsky: Symphony in C; Symphony in Three Movements; Symphonies of Wind Instruments

Average customer rating:

Stravinsky: Symphony in C; Symphony in Three Movements; Symphonies of Wind Instruments

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000014DM
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Tracks:

Sym in C: Moderato Alla Breve
Sym in C: Larghetto Concertante
Sym in C: Allegretto
Sym in C: Lartgo/Tempo Giusto/Alla Breve
Sym In Three Movts: 160
Sym In Three Movts: Andante
Sym In Three Movts: Con Moto
Sym Of Wind Instrs (Original 1920 Version)

Average customer rating:

Probably the most accurate versions ever recorded
Three very important works in fine performances
Elegant Sophistication with a touch of Genius
Solti conducts Stravinsky in one of his last recordings

Stravinsky: SYMPHONIES

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No1, Op107; Violin Concerto No1 (revised), Op99
Nielsen: Symphonies no 4-6 / Blomstedt, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra

ASIN: B00001IVOO
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Tracks:

Symphony in Three Movements: I. 1/4 = 160
Symphony in Three Movements: II. Andante - Interlude: L'istesso tempo
Symphony in Three Movements: III. Con moto
Symphony In C: I. Moderato alla breve
Symphony In C: II. Larghetto concertante
Symphony In C: III. Allegretto
Symphony In C: IV. Largo - Tempo giusto, alla breve
Symphony Of Psalms: I. 1/4 = 92
Symphony Of Psalms: II. 1/8 = 60
Symphony Of Psalms: III. 1/4 = 48 - 1/2 = 80

Amazon.com

Stravinsky's 1945 Symphony in Three Movements is a predominately dark work, largely inspired by the chaos of war. Its rhythmic drive relates to his great ballet scores, as does the neoclassical 1940 Symphony in C. The austerely radiant 1930 Symphony of Psalms for chorus and an orchestra, from which violins and violas have been expunged, reflects the composer's return to his Orthodox roots. Solti responds nicely to the spiky, thrustful qualities in I & III of the Symphony in Three Movements, and shapes the Andante, salvaged from an abortive film score, with grave loveliness. He's also fine at coping with the tricky cross-rhythms of the Haydnesque Symphony in C. The Symphony of Psalms gets a sturdy reading, and the virtuoso orchestra shines throughout. A convenient way to get all Stravinsky's mature symphonies on one well-played disc. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Probably the most accurate versions ever recorded.......2007-04-27

I will go out on a short limb and say that Solti has produced three Stravinsky performances of unique clarity. The amount of orchestral detail present in this recording is amazing, and his ability to balance chords and instrumental voices astonishes. By comparison Stravinsky's readings on Sony sound fairly slapdash, and even Boulez, famed for his precision, lags behind Solti. You can directly compare the Symphony of Psalms and Symphony in Three Movements from both conductors, and it's Boulez who has the fuzzier chorus and lazier rhythms (good as his readings are).

In fact. Solti's recording is primarily a delight because we hear so much more than in any ohter. His interpretations tend to be fairly quick, extroverted, and brilliant rather than personally felt. If you turn to Simon Rattle's EMI recording of the Sym. in Three Movements, there's real depth and drama. By comparison, Solti seems a bit faceless. But that's a quibble given the special excellence of this CD.

Three very important works in fine performances.......2005-12-02

When one thinks about Stravinsky and works for orchestra it is his ballets that first spring to mind. However, he also wrote these three very different and wonderful symphonies. There is no doubt in my mind that Stravinsky was one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century even though he is not performed as much nowadays as he was (or will be in the decades to come). We are quite fortunate that many great recordings of his works exist, but too many are going out of print. So, take advantage of the availability of this disk and get it in your library.

This and a similar disk by Boulez came out in the late nineties. This has the Symphony of Psalms (1930 for the Boston Symphony - rev 1948), Symphony in C (1938-40 for the Chicago Symphony), and the Symphony in Three Movements (1942-45 for the New York Philharmonic). The Boulez disk has the Symphony of Psalms, the Symphony in Three Movements, but the Symponies of Wind Instruments rather than the Symphony in C. It is interesting that the notes for both CDs are quite similar and both written by Paul Griffiths. I recommend both disks. They both contain quality performances and it is interesting to compare the performances.

To my ear the Solti is more expressive and has the more elegant gestures, but has the odd ensemble flaw where the Boulez is more immaculately performed (and still expressive and beautiful). Listen to the way each conductor has the chorus sing the Alleluia in the Symphony of Psalms and you will hear exactly what I mean. Plus the difference in program justifies having both disks because the Symphony in C is ever popular with audiences and the Symphonies of Wind Instruments is a permanent favorite of mine.

The Symphony of Psalms is a magnificent work that has become a source of spiritual strength for many from the day of its first performance. Stravinsky takes the three psalms (39, 40, and 150) for the three movements, but makes them into one longer meditation of and prayer to and praising of God. I was fortunate to sing it with the Ann Arbor Cantata Singers with Thom Hilbish conducting. What a treat that was.

The Symphony in C has always been an audience favorite because it sounds so nice. However, there is a lot of meat here and you will find that careful listening and even study of the score will yield real rewards. It is a very important and wonderful work. It is not just a symphony in the old sense. It is more like a step removed and comments on the symphonic form by being one and not being one at the same time.

Much has been made of the way movies affected the creation of the Symphony in Three Movements. Stravinsky said the first was inspired by the horror of seeing a documentary on scorched earth conflict in China. The last inspired by the goose-stepping soldiers and the rise of the allies in Europe. The middle movement began life as music for a film Stravinsky had been hired to score. The problem is that Stravinsky always wrote music as the most important thing. He felt the film should be cut to his music rather than his music cut and reshaped for the film. So, that didn't work out. However, this is a piece of pure music rather than trying to present a "program". Knowing how this music was inspired might help some, but don't read too much into it. The horrors of the mid-twentieth century are certainly here in the outer movements, but there is also great beauty in the middle movement.

Strongly recommended (as is the Boulez disk).

Elegant Sophistication with a touch of Genius.......2001-07-14

The three symphonies appear on this album in the reverse order in which they were written. Symphony of Psalms was written first, in 1930. It is widely considered to be one of Stravinsky's greatest works. The Symphony in C dates from the mid-thirties when Stravinsky was deep into his neo-classical period. Witty echoes of Bach, Mozart and Beethoven recur throughout this elegant work. The Symphony in Three Movements, dating from 1942, brings to mind the ballet music of Petrushka. Stravinsky seems to have been struggling to emerge from his ageing neo-classical style, and move beyond it. Whether he ever succeeded in this regard is still a matter of debate. Many believe that by the 40's Stravinsky's creative genius had died, and that his music was lacking in interest. Others maintain that these later works were actually better than the early ballet music.

Although I myself prefer the ballet music, this has been a consistently enjoyable album for me. It is not an easy album to enjoy, however, and it will take some time for honest appreciation to set in. Even though Solti and the CSO may not be at the top of their form on this album, it is a fine recording nonetheless, with excellent album graphics and high quality liner notes. The overall concept of putting all of Stravinsky's symphonies onto one album as a tribute to Solti makes this an essential recording for the discriminating collector.

Solti conducts Stravinsky in one of his last recordings.......2000-03-28

These three symphonies of Stravinsky were all commissioned by american orchestras between 1930 and 1945; the Symphony in C in particular was commisioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, which performs in this recording. Stravinsky is well-known to have re-invented himself many times during his career, but these three works are not as dissimilar as one might think. The Symphony in Three Movements and all but the second movement of the Symphony in C are highly rhythmical, while the Symphony in Psalms is more lyrical, melodic, and often rhapsodic (sometimes even resembling music of Carl Orff). None of these works, however, is his best-known work (like Rite of Spring, L'Histoire du Soldat, etc.), but provide a glimpse into a bit darker, slightly less dramatic, but often more beautiful side of Stravinsky's output.

Tracks:

The Firebird: Intro
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Kashchei's Magic Garden
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Appearance Of The Firebird Pursued By Prince Ivan
The Firebird: Tableau 1: The Firebird's Dance
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Prince Ivan Captures The Firebird
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Supplications Of The Firebird/Appearance Of The Thirteen Enchanted...
The Firebird: Tableau 1: The Princesses' Game With The Golden Apples
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Sudden Appearance Of Prince Ivan
The Firebird: Tableau 1: The Princesses' Round-Dance
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Daybreak
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Magic Carillon/Appearance Of Kashchei's Guardian Monsters/Capture Of...
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Dance Of Kashcheis Retinue Under The Firebird's Spell
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Infernal Dance Of All Kashchei's Subjects
The Firebird: Tableau 1: Lullaby (The Firebird)/Kashchei Awakes/Death Of Kashchei/Darkness
The Firebird: Tableau 2: Dissolution Of The Palace And Kashchei's Spells/Animation Of The...
The Song Of The Nightingale: Feast In The Emperor's Palace
The Song Of The Nightingale: The Two Nightingales
The Song Of The Nightingale: Illness And Recovery Of The Emperor Of China

Tracks:

Petrouchka: Tableau 1: The Shrovetide Fair
Petrouchka: Tableau 2: In Petrushka's Room
Petrouchka: Tableau 3: In The Moor's Room
Petrouchka: Tableau 4: The Shrovetide Fair, Evening
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Intro
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Augurs Of Spring/Dances Of The Young Girls
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of Abduction
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Spring Rounds
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of The Rival Tribes
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Procession Of The Sage
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: The Sage
The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Dance Of The Earth
The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Intro
The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Mystic Circles Of The Young Girls
The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Glorification Of The Chosen One
The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Evocation Of The Ancestors
The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Ritual Action Of The Ancestors
The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Sacrificial Dance: The Chosen One

Tracks:

Pulcinella: Ov: Allegro Moderato
Pulcinella: Serenata: Larghetto 'Mentre L'Erbetta' - Carlo Franzini
Pulcinella: Scherzino: Allegro
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Andantino
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Ancora Poco Meno 'Contento Forse Vivere' - Marilyn Tyler
Pulcinella: Allegro Assai
Pulcinella: Allegro - Alla Breve 'Con Queste Paroline' - Boris Carmeli
Pulcinella: Largo 'Sento Dire No'nce Pace' - Marilyn Tyler/Carlo Franzini/Boris Carmeli
Pulcinella: Allegro - Alla Breve
Pulcinella: Tarantella
Pulcinella: Andantino 'Se Tu M'Ami' - Marilyn Tyler
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Gavotta Con Due Vars
Pulcinella: Tempo Di Minuetto 'Pupilette, Fiammette D'Amore' - Marilyn Tyler/Carlo Franzini/Boris Carmeli
Pulcinella: Allegro Assai
Apollo: Prologue: Naissance D'Apollon
Apollo: Var D'Apollon: Apollon Et Les Muses
Apollo: Pas D'Action
Apollo: Var De Calliope
Apollo: Var De Polymnie
Apollo: Var De Terpsichore
Apollo: Var D'Apollon
Apollo: Pas De Deux
Apollo: Coda: Apollon Et Les Muses
Apollo: Apotheose

Tracks:

The Fairy's Kiss: Scene 1: Prologue
The Fairy's Kiss: Scene 2: A Village Fete
The Fairy's Kiss: Scene 3: By The Mill
The Fairy's Kiss: Scene 4. Epilogue: Lullaby Of The Land Beyond Time And Place
Renard (A Burlesque Story To Be Sung And Played) - Gerald English/John Mitchinson/Peter Glossop/Joseph Rouleau/John Leach

Tracks:

The Soldier's Tale: Marche Du Soldat - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Musique Pour Scene 1 - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Musique Pour Scene 2 - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Marche Royale - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Petit Conc - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Tango - Waltz - Ragtime - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Danse Du Diable - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Chorale - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
The Soldier's Tale: Marche Triomphale Du Diable - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
Pulcinella: Sinf
Pulcinella: Serenata
Pulcinella: Scherzino
Pulcinella: Allegro
Pulcinella: Andantino
Pulcinella: Tarantella
Pulcinella: Toccata
Pulcinella: Gavotta Con Due Vars
Pulcinella: Vivo
Pulcinella: Minuetto
Pulcinella: Finale

Tracks:

Sym in C: I. Moderato Alla Breve
Sym in C: II. Larghetto Conc
Sym in C: III. Allegretto
Sym in C: IV: Largo - Tempo Giusto Alla Breve
Sym in Three Movts: I. 1/2nt = 160
Sym in Three Movts: II. Andante
Sym in Three Movts: III. Con Moto
Syms Of Wind Instruments

Tracks:

Con: Largo - Allegro - Nikita Magaloff
Con: Largo - Nikita Magaloff
Con: Allegro - Nikita Magaloff
Capriccio: Presto - Nikita Magaloff
Capriccio: Andante Rapsodico - Nikita Magaloff
Capriccio: Allegro Capriccioso Ma Tempo Giusto - Nikita Magaloff
Ste No.1: Andante
Ste No.1: Napolitana - L'Orch De La Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet L
Ste No.1: Espanola
Ste No.1: Balalaika
Ste No.2: Marche
Ste No.2: Valse
Ste No.2: Polka
Ste No.2: Galop
4 Etudes: Danse
4 Etudes: Excentrique
4 Etudes: Cantique
4 Etudes: Madrid
Scherzo A La Russe

Tracks:

Sym Of Psalms: I. Psaume XXXIX - Choeur De Radio Lausanne/Andre Charlet
Sym Of Psalms: II. Psaume XL - Choeur De Radio Lausanne/Andre Charlet
Sym Of Psalms: III. Psaume CL - Choeur De Radio Lausanne/Andre Charlet
The Wedding: Tableau 1: At The Bride's - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
The Wedding: Tableau 2: At The Bridegroom's - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
The Wedding: Tableau 3: The Bride's Departure - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
The Wedding: Tableau 4: The Wedding Feast - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
Mavra: Ov
Mavra: Air - Joan Carlyle
Mavra: Gypsy Song - Kenneth Macdonald/Joan Carlyle
Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Joan Carlyle
Mavra: Air - Helen Watts
Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair
Mavra: Duet - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair
Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair/Joan Carlyle/Kenneth Macdonald
Mavra: Qt - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair/Joan Carlyle/Kenneth Macdonald
Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair
Mavra: Duet - Joan Carlyle/Kenneth Macdonald
Mavra: Dialogue - Kenneth Macdonald/Joan Carlyle/Helen Watts
Mavra: Air - Kenneth Macdonald
Mavra: Coda - Kenneth Macdonald/Joan Carlyle/Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair

Customer Reviews:

Hours and hours of fun!.......2007-01-24

Renard alone makes this set worthwhile. No other recorded performance (including Stravinsky's own) brings out the humor and basic "enjoyability" of this piece.

Prodigious performances!.......2006-10-17

Ernest Ansermet' s refined style was always supported by an admirable incisiveness around all what he conducted. And his Stravinsky still stands as one of the most perfect, idiomatic and extraordinary readings ever made; hovered with that deep vision and knower of the Stravinsky' s aesthetic; Ansermet always to blend power, febrile imagination and musculature, among his best achievements I should remark his Fairy' s kiss, The game of cards, Petrouchka, and the thundering Le Sacre are played with the right balance between abstraction and finesse; expression and sumptuous lyricism.

So you should not hesitate just for a second at the moment to decide to go for this special compilation.

Absolutely recommended.

Ansermet & Stravinsky - A Perfect Pair.......2003-05-19

This 8 CD collection of Stravinsky's Ballets, Stage Works and Orchestral Works is nothing short of magical. Conducted in its entirety by Ernest Ansermet leading the orchestra he founded, L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, this box set, while not complete, features all the great Stravinsky compositions -- "Firebird," "Rite of Spring," "Petrouchka," "Pulcinella," and all the Symphonies among others. Unlike most of history's great composers, Stravinsky himself was able to conduct and record his own music in stereo, so why not just get those discs? Well you should, but the Ansermet recordings generally offer superior sound and clarity. In fact, Ansermet was Stravinsky's personal choice to conduct the world premieres of many of his recordings, and Ansermet was selected by the composer to introduce the three famous ballets to U.S. audiences. A mathematician prior to his life as a conductor, Ansermet had his critics as he was virtually self-taught, though he did study music as a youth. But that mathematics background served him well in the studio as his early stereo recordings of everything from Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev to Falla and Chausson are engineered to perfection, and often sound better than the recordings by so-called more famous conductors. But don't take my word for it, buy some Ansermet for yourself and see. If you are not prepared to get this Stravinsky Box right away, then ease in with the new Ernest Ansermet "Great Conductors of the Century" compilation (see my review). You won't be disappointed.

Stravinsky: Symphonies (Symphony in C; Symphony in Three Movements; Symphonies of Wind Instruments)

Average customer rating:

These are great performances!
Definitive performances

Stravinsky: Symphonies (Symphony in C; Symphony in Three Movements; Symphonies of Wind Instruments)

Manufacturer: London / Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Classic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000E54K
Release Date: 1993-11-09

Customer Reviews:

These are great performances!.......2006-11-30

..from early in Ashkenazy's conducting career. It appears that this CD, like so many others, came and went in a flash and flew under the critic's radar. If you enjoy Stravinsky, don't be afraid to invest a couple of dollars and buy this wonderful CD.

Definitive performances.......2003-09-28

These are definitive performances of Stravinsky's Symphony in C and Symphony in Three Movements. The Berlin RSO sounds wonderful. The Symphonies of Wind Instruments round out the program very well. Highly recommended.

Stravinsky, Shostakovich: Bernstein's Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Average customer rating:

Always Good to Study Bernstein Again
Irregular Stravinsky and Shostakovich jewels.
Not the best of Bernstein, but there are some gems

Stravinsky, Shostakovich: Bernstein's Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Hymns | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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ASIN: B000ASAENU
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Customer Reviews:

Always Good to Study Bernstein Again.......2006-05-09

Now that Leonard Bernstein has entered the canonization of American conductors it is healthy to review his recorded output to understand the impact he had on classical music in America (and the world, for that matter). Not all of Bernstein's recordings are worthy of placement in the upper echelon of the library, but his approaches to scores are always deserving of attention. This boxed set (six CDs) from DGG represents all of the recordings Bernstein made with that prestigious recording company and while not all of them are his best, they each carry a halo of growth and altered approach Bernstein offers after his long years of conducting.

Included in the box set are Shostakovich Symphonies 1 and 7 with the Chicago Symphony, and 6 and 9 with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Both ensembles are first rate and Bernstein elicits fine playing from them. If he dwells a bit long in the tooth on the languid portions of Shostakovich, his other recordings give spikier accounts.

For the works of Stravinsky (long associated with Bernstein until the 'new breed' of conductors usurped that throne) Bernstein conducts the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, an orchestra over which he held great authority, in fine performances of the second suite from 'L'oiseau de feu', the 1947 version of 'Petrushka', 'Pulcinella', a varied 'Le Sacre du printemps', the 'Symphony in C' and 'Symphony in Three Movements'. The performances include some of his most insightful conducting as well as some of his least involved!

Fortunately DGG includes Bernstein's superb performance of 'Les Noces' for vocal soloists, chorus, 4 pianos & percussion with John Mitchinson, English Bach Festival Percussion Ensemble, Homero Francesch, Paul Hudson, Martha Argerich (!), Krystian Zimerman (!), Patricia Parker, Cyprien Katsaris, Anny Mory in a rhythmically secure, propulsively conducted and controlled manner. Using the same forces he encores the 'Mass, for chorus & double wind quintet', a work still too infrequently performed today.

There is always something to learn from hearing Bernstein conduct (and talk! - remember those superb Sunday televised encounters?) and it is to DGG's credit to present this wide range of recordings in one set. Grady Harp, May 06

Irregular Stravinsky and Shostakovich jewels........2006-03-07

DG is releasing some of the most interesting Bernstein's performances they have launched in other series or kept in their catalogue. This 6 CDs box offers the works by two Russian composers Bernstein loved very much and with whom he had an enormous feeling and empathy. Those are Igor Stravinsky and Dimitri Shostakovich.

First of all DSCH, that is the really best in this box...

Symphonies 1 & 7 are the only recording, as far as I know, Leonard Bernstein did with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a group of players with a very long tradition in the American music and with a great technical playing good enough to play quite all the repertoires.

Like in the case of his Mahler's 9 with Berlin, Bernstein only recording with this orchestra is a miracle that happens once and never more, because of many reasons, the first one because this is a live recording in the Medinah Temple and the emotions felt in this CD could not happen again.

I always thought Chicago is a very appropriate orchestra to play DSCH's music, because of the characteristics of the orchestra and of Shostakovich's music, very hard and very sensitive at the same time. One of the symphonies it's better to this couple DSCH & CSO is the 7th that it's not the most complex between DSCH's works, from the technical and musical point of view, but that demands a great and powerful orchestral response, something you can listen perfectly in this amazing recording, in which CSO gives his best, with a baton that understand very well the score, as far as he can... I think no one could understand completely the meaning of the Leningrad not being in the place of the siege or in the scenario described in the double-program of the symphony, probably linked to the oppression Stalin made with his politics to the pre-communist life of Saint Petersburg. I remember Goethe's words, when he said that reading a book is more complex than reading a book. Of course good Goethe talked about understanding a work, and Lenny, even not living that situation gives us a description of the fears, sadness, oppression, etc, really convincing from the very first bar.

Symphony Nº1 is a piece from DSCH's conservatoire years, from 1926, when the composer was only 19 years old and he was suffering a very disturbing economical situation, after his father's death and in the poor CCCP after the Revolution and the Civil War. It's known DSCH had to work in a cinema, under very hard conditions to eat, and that Glazunov took care of having some official assistance for his conservatoire pupil in order to Dimitri gave attention only to composer. The piece is not a great work like symphonies 5, 7, 8, 10, 13... but it shows some details and the personality of the maestro clearly. It was a great success from the same premiere and it made appear Shostakovich as the emergent figure of the new soviet composers, formed in the communist conservatoire... That was what the regime said, because in fact Leningrad conservatoire was mainly what it was before communist regime.

Leonard Bernstein performance of this symphony is a glory from all the points of view, perfectly played and recorded, the piece is fresh, full of tension and emotion, and even that parts not so fine orchestrated shine with real genius. The fourth and final movement is specially outstanding and the way the symphony ends is so good that sometimes I repeat the last minute when it finish. I really don't know any other version played with this very deep conviction on CD.

Seventh Symphony "Leningrad" is OUTSTANDING too, in every movement the orchestral playing and Lenny's conducting is breathtaking. The gigantic crescendo of the first movement is really a monument in the way Lenny control the dynamics perfectly, having an end that is really impossible to repeat, with the scales of the metals and drums full of terror, like watching the face of the death in front of you, in front of the city.

Central movements are wonderfully described too, the dynamics and the control of the tempo is amazing, as we listen in the second movement, a clear example of alternation between fortissimos and pianissimos, as between an atmosphere were everything is like suspended in fears and moments of pain.

The last movement is another Bernstein's `show', because of the way he proclaims the victory of the initial motif, which we could say is not completely affirmed in order to create that two-senses possibilities in the symphony reading. From the very dark beginning of the movement Lenny creates a crescendo that finally leads an explosion in the last bars, outstanding one more time.

The recording is fine, very present, full of body but not so clean like his recordings with Vienna in the 80's (I think about his DSCH's 6 & 9, for example; too on this CDs box), but it worth very, VERY, very much.

I could not say this is the only possible version, as I read in other reviews. I know about 5 or 6 performances (Rostropovich, Jansons, Haitink, Barshai...), apart from some others life, and of course this is the one I like much more, but not the only possibility, I try to discover always new ways in art, specially in music performances. Jansons' version in EMI is very good too, and we can not forget DSCH music always use to ask for the soviet performances, which are a very different way of understanding the works generally. Kondrashin or Rozhdestvensky shows another ways too.

If Symphonies 1 & 7 with Chicago are good, Symphonies 6 & 9 with Vienna are extraordinary too. I have read sometimes critics about the slow tempo Bernstein used, but I've to say this tempo brings new views and conceptions about these marvellous scores. First movement of Symphony Nº6 sounds deep and spacious, technically perfect like the rest of the performance. Second and third movements are really amazing, hard to believe because of the incredible level of the Vienna players, in a tempo that allows you to listen all the instruments and musical phrases perfectly defined. Symphony Nº9 performed by Bernstein was said it is too much triumphal... I really like it very much in the way it's played, like the Sixth marvellous form any point of view.

Stravinsky is good, but the orchestra is not at the same level than CSO or WP. Petrouchka is very, very good and very theatrical. Le Sacre is savage, furious and very interesting. The most important works are, in this way, those better conducted by Lenny and best played by the Israel Orchestra.

We have to mention Noces and Mass, not very usual on CD and with fine performances on Bernstein hands.

Sound is better in DSCH recordings, as in Stravinsky there are some works (Noces, Mass) in ADD recordings.

Anyway, a very, VERY interesting 6 CDs Box which worth for all those who don't have these Shostakovich performances and for those who want to have good performances of some of the best Stravinsky's works.

Not the best of Bernstein, but there are some gems.......2006-01-22

This DG bargain box of 6 CDs brings together recordings of Stravinsky and Shostakovich that, with few exceptions, are remakes of considerably better earlier ones. The Stravinsky works mostly date from 1982 with the Israel Phil. They would be considered quite good except that the earlier NY Phil. recordings are great. The same holds true for the Shostakovich, though perhaps not to such an extent, since the Vienna Phil. plays so spectacularly on two of them.

As a quick overview:

Stravinsky: The best readings here are the Firebird Suite from Tel Aviv and a pairing of Les Noces and Mass from London in 1977. The last two arena't remakes. The Isael account of Le Sacre is certainly very good in spots but rather slack in other spots. The little-heard Scenes de Ballet gets an elegant, sinuous reading with not a trace of excessive underlining, while the Sym. in Three Movements is plodding (neither of these is a remake). The Petrushka is dull and uninvolving. In all, more than half of the music on these three CDs stands up very well.

Shostakovich: The best is Sym. #9 with the marvelous Vienna Phil. from 1985, a cheerful, refined reading that eschews darkness. The Sym. #6 from the same source, but a year earlier, sounds noncommittal and underplayed. Sym. #1 and 7 come from 1988, quite late in Bernstein's career. The Chicago Sym. plays elegantly in the First, but everything seems a bit tired. The Seventh was a Bernstein specialty; he had made a huge hit recorded and is almost as good, though lacking the uncanny communiction of the first version. I found the playing too refined at times, but Bernstein never played this piece for its potential savagery. In all, this Seventh and the Ninth have worn the best.

All the sonics here are exceptionally good. Bernstein got good analog sound from Columbia when he was with the NY Phil, but these digital remasterings leave those old versions in the dust. It's a trade-off, then, since as an interpreter Bernstein never excelled his youthful self in these works.

Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements; Symphony in C; Symphony of Psalms

Average customer rating:

Gielen's Stravinsky: 3 Symphonies: Rhythmic, Insightful, Tuneful, Yes

Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements; Symphony in C; Symphony of Psalms

Manufacturer: Hanssler Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000IMVNDI
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

I. Viertel=160
II. Andante-Interlude, Attacca
III. Con Moto
I. Moderato Alla Breve
II. Larghetto Concertante
III. Allegretto
IV. Largo-Tempo Giusto, Alla Breve
I. Exaudi Orationem Meam, Domine (Psalm 39, 12-13)
II. Expectans Expectavi Dominum (Psalm 40, 1-3)
III. Alleluia. Laudate Dominum (Psalm 150)

Album Description

The Symphony in Three Movements was composed during the height of WWII (1942-45), and reflects the composer's impressions, mostly gained through cinematic representations, of the ongoing war. The Symphony in C was composed during one of the darkest periods in Stravinsky's life--years marked by illness and the death of his mother, his wife, and a daughter. However, in trying to focus on formal concerns in the music, Stravinsky tried to keep his personal feelings out of the symphony. The first two movements were composed in Europe and reflect more of a traditional style. The third and fourth movements were composed after Stravinsky moved to America and herald his growing experiments with rhythmic meter change. The final composition on this CD, Symphony of Psalms, is based on various Psalms from the Bible and consists of three parts. The score's inscription Ã la gloire de Dieu, "to the glory of God," reveals Stravinsky's purpose for the work. Born in Dresden in 1927 but reared in Argentina, in the 1950s Michael Gielen began to gain a reputation as a conductor of both the Viennese classics and contemporary music, of which he is now an acknowledged master. His mastery of twentieth century idioms is unquestioned.

Customer Reviews:

Gielen's Stravinsky: 3 Symphonies: Rhythmic, Insightful, Tuneful, Yes.......2006-12-17

Gee this one is fine.

SWR Baden-Baden & Freiburg have built up quite a sterling reputation over the years since their founding, for tackling the gnarliest modern scores and having a good go at music often declared uninteresting or unplayable almost before its ink has dried on its pages. Thanks yet again to Ernest Bour and Hans Rosbaud who laid foundations, strong foundations.

Michael Gielen, now a leader of equal interest, has been engaging with the music for a bit more than a decade, between 1986, and 1999. Like Pierre Boulez, Gielen plays Stravinsky as a classic, treasured legacy. He is as interested in the deep openings, structural or harmonic or rhythmic, in Stravinsky's music, not just the surface drama or shock values.

The three Stravinsky symphonies on this regular, red book CD are all different neo-classical forays by the past century's master. The music is lean, fleet, muscular, and always evolving in kaleidoscopic explorations with a constant search to discover formal balances as core essentials, refreshed, revealed in the shifting lights of the musical moment. Suddenly the young composer (Russian student of a Russian Rimsky-Korsakov) who caused a real audience riot in Paris with the ballet music for Le Sacre du Printemps is all polyphony, intellect, and poise. Here the composer pays obeisance to the god Apollo instead of the god Pan or the god Dionysius.

We can still hear plenty of signature Stravinsky ostinato, but not by pounding the earth till it splits open to erupt with volcanic lava. Instead, the ostinato underpins all the old harmonies, now freshly rehearsed, pitching a new balance between dissonance and consonance while always, dancing, dancing, dancing.

Under Gielen and his band, there is not an ounce of extra fat in these works; but you never for a passing moment think of them as too thin, too wispy, or too banal and insubstantial to continue holding your listener's interest. Some passages are light as a feather and just as mysteriously air-born aloft. Whence these breezes you didn't suspect were blowing? Other passages are strong and sure-footed. Padding as completely intent and purposeful as any panther ever stalked it prey in any jungle. All the kill moments in this music, and there are plenty of them, are not the fanged instrumental moments of vicious attack, but rather viewed from a greater and more Socratic distance. The eating and being eaten of primal folklores is artfully revealed as part of the larger scheme of things, ecological.

Gielen and band do not wash out the colors or the rhythms. There is as much tonal interplay in these scores as there ever was in Firebird, Petrushka, or Le Sacre. But the point is a further and deeper internalization of what Rimsky-Korsakov taught and exemplified in his approaches to Late Romantic Era orchestration. One is not so much painting vivid pictures, full of folklore and genius. One is mining the allegedly harmonic slag of western concert music, and finding plenty of gold still that melts down into gleaming treasure where more than a whole lot can be made of the vaults Wagner supposedly raided, once and for all, and left empty.

What is post-Gotterdammerung? Stravinsky, undoubtedly.

The third item on this disc is the fully mature Symphony of Psalms. (1930) As the composer himself intended and realized, now the earlier polyphony comes full circle, and the shifting balances between dissonance and consonance are not so experimental as wise and enduringly gestural. By this time, the composer has found a neo-classical path forward for himself, and he can set the chorus singing Latinized psalms in worship of God as he walks it. These sung psalms are hybrid, as so much of what we consider most modern is hybrid - as the composer himself was hybrid: Russian in heritage, gifted in legal studies and mathematics, and an adult later life convert to Catholicism.

Both the Symphony in Three Movements (1945) and the Symphony in C (1940) are farther experimental forays, each distinctive. Gielen catches the fervency as well as the renewed and renewing polyphony of these efforts. In his hands, the players just reach out, and keep reaching, high and wide and low. Listening again, one grows along with the composer, beyond youthful Sturm und Drang - towards peace, towards reflection, towards ineffable openness, all still thinking and feeling. Still evolving. Still dancing - but more with the athletic grace of gymnastics, instead of the bursting leaps and runs of open-aired track and field. Stravinsky is, still, a physical composer above all else.

Quite a journey, this disc. Its most immediate competition will perhaps stem from the newly released Robert Craft disc, on Naxos, containing the Symphony of Psalms along with a handful of the briefer, even more experimental and post-neo-classical period works. ( Mass, Cantata, Russian Songs, Babel) That one goes to the keeper shelf, right along with this one.

Recommended, but don't leave your thinking cap behind when you listen. Gielen and band are involved in some notable and notably intelligent music-making here. Yes.

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