Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) (recorded 1960); Apollo (Apollon musagete) (recorded 1961)

On this CD:

1. Le baiser de la fée (The Fairy’s Kiss), ballet in four scenes for orchestra
Composed by Igor Stravinsky

Conducted by Gennady Rozhdestvensky

2. Apollon musagète, ballet in 2 scenes for string orchestra
Composed by Igor Stravinsky

Conducted by Gennady Rozhdestvensky

Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) (recorded 1960); Apollo (Apollon musagete) (recorded 1961), Music, Igor Stravinsky, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, String Ensemble of the Grand Symphony Orchestra (U.S.S.R.), Grand Symphony Orchestra of the State Radio and Television (USSR), 20th/21st Century Ballet, Ballet, Classical
Stravinsky: Pulcinella; The Fairy's Kiss
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Ballet Hits
  • Two of Stravinsky's Most Popular Works, Beautifully Done
 Stravinsky: Pulcinella; The Fairy's Kiss

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
$6.99 and Under$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
All Classical Music BlowoutAll Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Stravinsky, IgorStravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
InstrumentalInstrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Stravinsky: Three Greek Ballets (Apollo, Agon, Orpheus)
  2. Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Original Version); Petrushka (Revised 1947 Version)
  3. Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms
  4. Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring: The Nightingale
  5. Rorem: Flute Concerto; Violin Concerto

ASIN: B000CEVU4E
Release Date: 2006-01-17

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Serenata: Mentre L'Erbetta
  3. I. Scherzino/II. Allegro/III. Andantino/IV. Allegro
  4. Allegretto: Contento Forse Vivere
  5. Allegro Assai
  6. Allegro (Alla Breve): Con Queste Paroline
  7. Largo: Sento Dire No' Nce Pace
  8. Chi Disse Ca La Femmena
  9. Allegro: Nce Sta Quaccuna Po'
  10. Presto: Una Te Fa La 'Nzemprece
  11. Larghetto
  12. Allegro Alla Breve
  13. Allegro Moderato: Tarantella
  14. Andantino: Se Tu M'Ami
  15. Toccata
  16. Allegro Moderato: Gavotta With Two Variations (Allegretto, Allegro)
  17. Vivo
  18. Minuet: Pupillette, Fiammette
  19. Finale: Allegro Assai
  20. Scene I
  21. Scene II
  22. Scene III
  23. Scene IV

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Ballet Hits.......2007-03-10

Naxos comes to the rescue again, taking two superb out-of-print recordings and reissuing them on its own label. Stravinsky outdid himself when he rescued some lesser known works by Pergolesi and Tchaikovsky and used his own magic to create a pair of memorable ballets. The perfomances are conducted by Robert Craft, one of the composer's closest friends, and could not be bettered. The mid-1990s sound is first class. At Naxos prices, this CD is a real bargain.

5 out of 5 stars Two of Stravinsky's Most Popular Works, Beautifully Done.......2006-01-31

These mid-90s performances of Pulcinella and The Fairy's Kiss (Baiser de la Fée) conducted by Robert Craft were previously issued on Koch International with different couplings. But issuing them together is a good idea because they are two of Stravinsky's most tuneful, most easily assimilated works based as they are on music of earlier composers and they are given sensational readings here. (I will admit that these works are two of my very favorites by Stravinsky.) One immediately thinks of Pulcinella, based on music by Pergolesi and other early Italians, as being brash and witty, and The Fairy's Kiss as elegant. But in fact each of the works has both of those qualities albeit in somewhat different proportions. Pulcinella is often recognized by folks who don't otherwise know the work well when the 'Vivo' movement is played; that's the section with those sassy trombone smears and the mock-melancholic double bass figures. The Fairy's Kiss, on the other hand, taken as it is from Tchaikovsky themes, sounds in spots almost like an echt-Tchaikovsky ballet until Stravinsky does his witty things with meter and instrumentation. Throughout, though, this is music that could not have been written by anyone other than Stravinsky.

Robert Craft has known this music for fifty years and more. He was, as most know, Stravinsky's acolyte and nearly constant companion in his latter years. He is sometimes thought of as a somewhat pedantic conductor, but in actuality he is not so much pedantic as true to his master, observing all there is in the score - rhythm, nuance, balances, dynamics. And in these two works he conducts them with all the juice they contain. These are lovely, artful, sophisticated performances with immediacy and vitality. Although I own Stravinsky's own recordings of these works, I actually think I prefer these performances, not least because they are in modern sound. But also because they don't hesitate to throw in a little cholesterol which Stravinsky tended to eschew.

It should be pointed out that the fine soloists in Pulcinella are the lovely-voiced soprano Diana Montague (who can forget her recording of Gluck's Iphigenia in Tauris?), tenor Robin Leggate and basso Mark Beesley. The brashly vital orchestral playing for Pulcinella is by the Philharmonia. The elegant playing for The Fairy's Kiss is by the London Symphony Orchestra.

You cannot go wrong with this CD.

Scott Morrison
Stravinsky: Ballets; Stage Works; Orchestral Works
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Hours and hours of fun!
  • Prodigious performances!
  • Ansermet & Stravinsky - A Perfect Pair
 Stravinsky: Ballets; Stage Works; Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
SeptetsSeptets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
EtudesEtudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
PreludesPreludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
ScherzoScherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
PianoPiano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
RussianRussian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Debussy, Ravel: Orchestral Works
  2. Strauss: Orchestral Works
  3. Beethoven - The Complete String Quartets / Alban Berg Quartet
  4. Liszt: Works for Piano and Orchestra
  5. Grieg: Complete Music with Orchestra

ASIN: B00005ND3M
Release Date: 2002-05-14

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Petrouchka: Tableau 1: The Shrovetide Fair
  2. Petrouchka: Tableau 2: In Petrushka's Room
  3. Petrouchka: Tableau 3: In The Moor's Room
  4. Petrouchka: Tableau 4: The Shrovetide Fair, Evening
  5. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Intro
  6. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Augurs Of Spring/Dances Of The Young Girls
  7. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of Abduction
  8. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Spring Rounds
  9. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Ritual Of The Rival Tribes
  10. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Procession Of The Sage
  11. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: The Sage
  12. The Rite Of Spring: The Adoration Of The Earth: Dance Of The Earth
  13. The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Intro
  14. The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Mystic Circles Of The Young Girls
  15. The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Glorification Of The Chosen One
  16. The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Evocation Of The Ancestors
  17. The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Ritual Action Of The Ancestors
  18. The Rite Of Spring: The Sacrifice: Sacrificial Dance: The Chosen One

Tracks:

  1. Pulcinella: Ov: Allegro Moderato
  2. Pulcinella: Serenata: Larghetto 'Mentre L'Erbetta' - Carlo Franzini
  3. Pulcinella: Scherzino: Allegro
  4. Pulcinella: Allegro
  5. Pulcinella: Andantino
  6. Pulcinella: Allegro
  7. Pulcinella: Ancora Poco Meno 'Contento Forse Vivere' - Marilyn Tyler
  8. Pulcinella: Allegro Assai
  9. Pulcinella: Allegro - Alla Breve 'Con Queste Paroline' - Boris Carmeli
  10. Pulcinella: Largo 'Sento Dire No'nce Pace' - Marilyn Tyler/Carlo Franzini/Boris Carmeli
  11. Pulcinella: Allegro - Alla Breve
  12. Pulcinella: Tarantella
  13. Pulcinella: Andantino 'Se Tu M'Ami' - Marilyn Tyler
  14. Pulcinella: Allegro
  15. Pulcinella: Allegro
  16. Pulcinella: Gavotta Con Due Vars
  17. Pulcinella: Tempo Di Minuetto 'Pupilette, Fiammette D'Amore' - Marilyn Tyler/Carlo Franzini/Boris Carmeli
  18. Pulcinella: Allegro Assai
  19. Apollo: Prologue: Naissance D'Apollon
  20. Apollo: Var D'Apollon: Apollon Et Les Muses
  21. Apollo: Pas D'Action
  22. Apollo: Var De Calliope
  23. Apollo: Var De Polymnie
  24. Apollo: Var De Terpsichore
  25. Apollo: Var D'Apollon
  26. Apollo: Pas De Deux
  27. Apollo: Coda: Apollon Et Les Muses
  28. Apollo: Apotheose

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. The Soldier's Tale: Marche Du Soldat - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  2. The Soldier's Tale: Musique Pour Scene 1 - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  3. The Soldier's Tale: Musique Pour Scene 2 - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  4. The Soldier's Tale: Marche Royale - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  5. The Soldier's Tale: Petit Conc - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  6. The Soldier's Tale: Tango - Waltz - Ragtime - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  7. The Soldier's Tale: Danse Du Diable - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  8. The Soldier's Tale: Chorale - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  9. The Soldier's Tale: Marche Triomphale Du Diable - Michael Schwalbe/Hans Fryba/Leon Hoogstoal/Henri Helaerts/Paolo Longinotti/Pierre Aubapan...
  10. Pulcinella: Sinf
  11. Pulcinella: Serenata
  12. Pulcinella: Scherzino
  13. Pulcinella: Allegro
  14. Pulcinella: Andantino
  15. Pulcinella: Tarantella
  16. Pulcinella: Toccata
  17. Pulcinella: Gavotta Con Due Vars
  18. Pulcinella: Vivo
  19. Pulcinella: Minuetto
  20. Pulcinella: Finale

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

  1. Con: Largo - Allegro - Nikita Magaloff
  2. Con: Largo - Nikita Magaloff
  3. Con: Allegro - Nikita Magaloff
  4. Capriccio: Presto - Nikita Magaloff
  5. Capriccio: Andante Rapsodico - Nikita Magaloff
  6. Capriccio: Allegro Capriccioso Ma Tempo Giusto - Nikita Magaloff
  7. Ste No.1: Andante
  8. Ste No.1: Napolitana - L'Orch De La Suisse Romande/Ernest Ansermet L
  9. Ste No.1: Espanola
  10. Ste No.1: Balalaika
  11. Ste No.2: Marche
  12. Ste No.2: Valse
  13. Ste No.2: Polka
  14. Ste No.2: Galop
  15. 4 Etudes: Danse
  16. 4 Etudes: Excentrique
  17. 4 Etudes: Cantique
  18. 4 Etudes: Madrid
  19. Scherzo A La Russe

Tracks:

  1. Sym Of Psalms: I. Psaume XXXIX - Choeur De Radio Lausanne/Andre Charlet
  2. Sym Of Psalms: II. Psaume XL - Choeur De Radio Lausanne/Andre Charlet
  3. Sym Of Psalms: III. Psaume CL - Choeur De Radio Lausanne/Andre Charlet
  4. The Wedding: Tableau 1: At The Bride's - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
  5. The Wedding: Tableau 2: At The Bridegroom's - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
  6. The Wedding: Tableau 3: The Bride's Departure - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
  7. The Wedding: Tableau 4: The Wedding Feast - Basia Retchitzka/Lucienne Devallier/Hugues Cuenod/Heinz Rehfuss/Vladimir Diakoff/Motet De Geneve...
  8. Mavra: Ov
  9. Mavra: Air - Joan Carlyle
  10. Mavra: Gypsy Song - Kenneth Macdonald/Joan Carlyle
  11. Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Joan Carlyle
  12. Mavra: Air - Helen Watts
  13. Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair
  14. Mavra: Duet - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair
  15. Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair/Joan Carlyle/Kenneth Macdonald
  16. Mavra: Qt - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair/Joan Carlyle/Kenneth Macdonald
  17. Mavra: Dialogue - Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair
  18. Mavra: Duet - Joan Carlyle/Kenneth Macdonald
  19. Mavra: Dialogue - Kenneth Macdonald/Joan Carlyle/Helen Watts
  20. Mavra: Air - Kenneth Macdonald
  21. Mavra: Coda - Kenneth Macdonald/Joan Carlyle/Helen Watts/Monica Sinclair

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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.

5 out of 5 stars 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: Symphony in C; Baiser de la fée
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Very Good issue for filling in your Stravinsky collection
 Stravinsky: Symphony in C; Baiser de la fée

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
SymphoniesSymphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General ContemporaryGeneral Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
Modern & 20th CenturyModern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
MarchesMarches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
Classic Big BandClassic Big Band | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000IYN2
Release Date: 1999-05-18

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Moderato - Sir Alexander Gibson
  2. II. Scherzo: Allegretto - Sir Alexander Gibson
  3. III. Largo - Sir Alexander Gibson
  4. IV. Finale: Allegro Molto - Sir Alexander Gibson
  5. I. Moderato Alla Breve - Sir Alexander Gibson
  6. II. Larghetto Concertante- - Sir Alexander Gibson
  7. III. Allegretto - Sir Alexander Gibson
  8. IV. Adagio-Tempo Giusto, Alla Breve - Sir Alexander Gibson
  9. I. Eulogy - Sir Alexander Gibson
  10. II. Eclogue - Sir Alexander Gibson
  11. III. Epitaph - Sir Alexander Gibson

Tracks:

  1. I. (Untitled) - Raymond O'Connell
  2. II. Andante: Interlude- - Raymond O'Connell
  3. III. L'istesso Tempo - Raymond O'Connell
  4. Symphonies Of Wind Instruments - Sir Simon Rattle
  5. Scene 1: Prologue: A Storm- - Neeme Jarvi
  6. Scene 2: A Village Fete- - Neeme Jarvi
  7. Scene 3: By The Mill- - Neeme Jarvi
  8. Pas De Deux: I. Entree- - Neeme Jarvi
  9. II. Adagio- - Neeme Jarvi
  10. III. Variation- - Neeme Jarvi
  11. IV. Coda- - Neeme Jarvi
  12. Scene- - Neeme Jarvi
  13. Scene 4: Epilogue: Land Of Eternal Dwelling - Neeme Jarvi

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Very Good issue for filling in your Stravinsky collection.......2006-07-22

This collection of four longish symphonic pieces and two shorter works add up, on two CD's to a whopping 149 minutes of music produced by a formidable group of musicians. So, If you need to add these four symphonies, plus 'Ode' and 'The Fairy's Kiss' to your collection, here is a great way to do it. The most interesting slant I find in these works is that 'The Fairy's Kiss' is a ballet based on a Hans Christian Anderson fable, and the ballet was done for Serge Daighilev. Now isn't this exactly the premise of the film, 'The Red Shoes'! I thought I was imagining things when the music reminded me of the score to 'The Red Shoes'. Of course, Stravinsky's music is much better.

The problem is that these are not the works for which Stravinsky is most famous, so as delightful as they are, one longs for the primal strains of 'The Rites of Spring' and 'Les Noces'.

But, It is still Stravinsky, easily the most important composer of the 20th century.
Bartók: The Wooden Prince; Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la fée
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • First rate classical disc
  • A Stravinsky/Bartok Pairing From Houston
 Bartók: The Wooden Prince; Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la fée

Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
Houston Symphony OrchestraHouston Symphony Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000AA4JAM
Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

  1. Sinfonia: Andate; Allegro Sostenuto
  2. Danses Suisses: Tempo Giusto
  3. Scherzo: Moderato; Allegretto Grazioso
  4. Pas De Deux: Adagio
  5. Pas De Deux:Varation: Allegretto Grazioso
  6. Pas De Deux: Coda: Presto
  7. Introduction
  8. The Appearance Of The Princess
  9. The Prince Approaches The Princess
  10. Dance Of The Trees
  11. Dance Of The Waves
  12. The Prince Creates The Wooden Prince
  13. The Princess Dances With The Wooden Prince
  14. The Prince's Despair
  15. The Prince's Consolation And Glorification
  16. The Princess Returns With The Wooden Prince
  17. The Forest Stops The Princess
  18. Consolation Of The Princess And Apotheosis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars First rate classical disc.......2006-08-17

This disc was something of a shot in the dark for me as I had never heard this orchestra or conductor before, and I had'nt heard the Bartok work, but it turned out to be a really good choice. As the other reviewer mentions, the works are given a strong performance, all the orchestral color and drama are brought out to a nice effect. I don't have any to compare with except a London Lp of Ansermet conducting the Stravinsky piece. There actually are'nt that many versions of it out there. The Firebird is more popular. If you like Stravinsky's Ballet pieces, this is one to try. Also of note is the engineering by Brad Sayles, this disc sounds excellent, it has the right perspective for my preference.....not so close that the hall ambience is lost, and not so far away that everything gets muddled, it's just right. I since found out he is a musician and an engineer, and his appreciation of the music seems to carry over to the recording job he did here. A very enjoyable disc that most classical music aficianados should find hard to fault.

5 out of 5 stars A Stravinsky/Bartok Pairing From Houston.......2005-12-06

German-born Hans Graf took over the job of music director of the Houston Symphony (a job held prior by Christoph Eschenbach, as well as, over the decades, folks like Beecham, Stokowski, Barbirolli, and Previn) just a few years ago, and out of his stewardship there at the home of America's manned spaceflight program comes this unusual pairing of two widely differing 20th century ballet works.

Stravinsky's "Divertimento" from his 1928 ballet THE FAIRY'S KISS is an homage of sorts to a composer he admired with tremendous fervor, namely Tchaikovsky. Indeed, this orchestral suite sounds less like the man who gave us THE FIREBIRD or THE RITE OF SPRING, and more like the legendary composer of NUTCRACKER; but at no point does it sound slavishly imitative of the great Tchaikovsky. Also on this recording is Bela Bartok's charming and modern adult fairly tale ballet THE WOODEN PRINCE, rent with the composer's ultra-colorful and innovative orchestration. Both works are superbly performed by the Houston Symphony under Graf's direction, continuing the work that Eschenbach had begun under his tenure, as well as continuing the tradition of their predecessors of combining modern works with the standard repertoire. Koch's sound engineering team is to be commended for capturing the feel of these works. A first-rate recommendation for any fan of great 20th century orchestral and/or ballet music.
Stravinsky: Baiser de la fée; Bartok: Two Pictures Op10
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Stravinsky: Baiser de la fée; Bartok: Two Pictures Op10

    Manufacturer: Sony
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B0000029KR
    Release Date: 1995-03-07

    Tracks:

    1. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene I
    2. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene I
    3. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene I
    4. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene I
    5. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene II
    6. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene II
    7. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene II
    8. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene II
    9. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene III
    10. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene III
    11. The Fairy's Kiss: Pas de deux
    12. The Fairy's Kiss: Pas de deux
    13. The Fairy's Kiss: Pas de deux
    14. The Fairy's Kiss: Pas de deux
    15. The Fairy's Kiss: Pas de deux
    16. The Fairy's Kiss: Scene IV
    17. Two Pictures For Orchestra: En pleine fleur
    18. Two Pictures For Orchestra: Danse villageoise
    Stravinsky: Le sacre du printemps; Baiser de la fée; Firebird Suite
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Very Energetic and Crisp on "The Rite of Spring"
    • one of the best ever...
    		 Stravinsky: Le sacre du printemps; Baiser de la fée; Firebird Suite

    Manufacturer: RCA
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    SuitesSuites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    CDs $7 - $10CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    All Bargain TitlesAll Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B000003FFF
    Release Date: 1993-06-08

    Tracks:

    1. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Introduction - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    2. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Young Girls' Dances - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    3. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Mock Abduction - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    4. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Round Dances - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    5. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Games Of Rival Tribes - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    6. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Wise Elder's Procession - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    7. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Adoration Of The Earth - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    8. The Rite Of Spring, Part 1: The Adoration Of The Earth: Dance Of The Earth - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    9. The Rite Of Spring, Part 2: The Sacrifice: Introduction - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    10. The Rite Of Spring, Part 2: The Sacrifice: Mystic Circles - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    11. The Rite Of Spring, Part 2: The Sacrifice: Glorification - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    12. The Rite Of Spring, Part 2: The Sacrifice: Summoning The Ancients - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    13. The Rite Of Spring, Part 2: The Sacrifice: Ancients' Rituals - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    14. The Rite Of Spring, Part 2: The Sacrifice: Sacrificial Dance - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    15. The Rite Of Spring, Part 2: The Sacrifice: Fireworks (Feu d' artifice) - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
    16. The Fairy's Kiss: Pas de deux - Fritz Reiner
    17. The Firebird: Introduction - Boston Symphony Orchestra
    18. The Firebird: Firebird's Dance - Boston Symphony Orchestra
    19. The Firebird: Firebird's Variation - Boston Symphony Orchestra
    20. The Firebird: Princesses' Round - Boston Symphony Orchestra
    21. The Firebird: King Kastchei's Dance - Boston Symphony Orchestra
    22. The Firebird: Lullaby - Boston Symphony Orchestra
    23. The Firebird: Finale - Boston Symphony Orchestra

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Very Energetic and Crisp on "The Rite of Spring".......2001-03-09

    The Rite of Spring performed on this CD have rather different attitudes from the one performed by Lenny with the New York Phil, and the one by Boulez with the Cleveland Orchestra. While Lenny and the New York Phil perform with a bit slow, but very pumped and totally bold, titaic, rhythm on the hellish climax of the music that is likely to shake the globe like crazy, Ozawa with the Boston Symphony Orchestra have a truly crisp, energetic sound, having a very quick and desparate tempo, which is likely to make the music even more exciting. Bernstein's performance, although have really tiny flaws on the music, and parts the composer himself probably did not have asked, to me, is the best one I heard, but Ozawa's flawless performance is not very bad either. Boulez's performance doesn't really do, even though I heard it. I recommend Ozawa's performance on this CD.

    5 out of 5 stars one of the best ever..........2000-07-24

    i find this recording of the rite of spring to be the best ever. sergei ozawa packs quite the punch. this recording is full of emotion and i love the fact that he doesn't slow down during the sacrificial dance as i have heard in other recordings.
    Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la Fée (The Fairy's Kiss); Tchaikovsky: Bluebird Pas de deux
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Very nice Stravinsky ballet piece. Pricy
    		 Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la Fée (The Fairy's Kiss); Tchaikovsky: Bluebird Pas de deux

    Manufacturer: Chandos
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    All Works by TchaikovskyAll Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000000ACS
    Release Date: 1992-10-09

    Tracks:

    1. Le baiser de la Fee: Stravinsky: Le baiser de la Fee - Scene 1 - Prologue: A Storm
    2. Le baiser de la Fee: Stravinsky: Le baiser de la Fee - Scene 2 - A Village Fete
    3. Le baiser de la Fee: Stravinsky: Le baiser de la Fee - Scene 3 - By the Mill - Pas de deux : I. Entree - II. Adagio - III. Variation - IV. Coda - Scene
    4. Le baiser de la Fee: Stravinsky: Le baiser de la Fee - Scene 4: Epilogue: Land of Eternal Dwelling
    5. Sleeping Beauty: Tchaikovsky - 'Bluebird' Pas de deux from Sleeping Beauty - Entry (Adagio) - Variation 1 (Allegro) - Variation 2 (Andantino) - Coda (Presto)

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Very nice Stravinsky ballet piece. Pricy.......2007-03-06

    This disc, featuring a perfomance of 'Le Baiser de la Fee', one of Stravinsky's less famous ballets, confirms in my mind that music for the stage (and chorus) was by far Stravinsky's strong suit, as it join's his three greatest works, the ballets 'The Rites of Spring', 'Petroushka', and 'The Firebird'. It also seems to link him more closely with other modern Russian composers, as I hear in it similarities to Prokofiev, especially his film score for 'Alexander Nevsky'.

    The one problem with the CD is that it is being offered a a full price for a bare 50 minutes of material. I like Jarvi's rendintion, but you may be able to find a comparable performance on a fuller disc. I do like the very short Tchaikovsky piece, especially as it was arranged by Stravinsky.
    Stravinsky: Le Baiser De La Fée; Orpheus
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Stravinsky: Le Baiser De La Fée; Orpheus

      Manufacturer: Koch Int'l Classics
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
      All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B000001SHS
      Release Date: 1996-10-29

      Tracks:

      1. Le Baiser de la Fee: The Lullaby in the Storm
      2. Le Baiser de la Fee: A Village Fete
      3. Le Baiser de la Fee: At the Mill
      4. Le Baiser de la Fee: Scene
      5. Le Baiser de la Fee: The Lullaby of the Land Beyond Time and Place
      6. Orpheus: First Scene: Lento sostenuto
      7. Orpheus: First Scene: Air de Dance - Andante con moto
      8. Orpheus: First Scene: Dance of the Angel of Death - L'istesso
      9. Orpheus: First Scene: Interlude
      10. Orpheus: Second Scene: Dance of the Furies - Agitato
      11. Orpheus: Second Scene: Air de Dance - Grave
      12. Orpheus: Second Scene: Interlude - L'istesso tempo
      13. Orpheus: Second Scene: Air de Dance Conclusion - L'istesso tempo
      14. Orpheus: Second Scene: Pas d'Action - Andantino leggiadro
      15. Orpheus: Second Scene: Pas de Deux - Andante sostenuto
      16. Orpheus: Second Scene: Interlude - Moderato assai
      17. Orpheus: Second Scene: Pas d'Action - Vivace
      18. Orpheus: Second Scene: Aportheosis - Lento sostenuto

      Amazon.com

      Stravinsky was often at his best when borrowing tunes from other sources, and The Fairy's Kiss is a case in point. The source of the melodic material was Tchaikovsky, a curious choice given Stravinsky's anti- Romantic musical philosophy. But like most of us, he was a sucker for Tchaikovsky, and this ballet based on some of the composer's more obscure piano pieces is both a loving tribute and vintage Stravinsky. The music for Orpheus, by contrast, is wholly original, and it's one of the composer's most purely beautiful late works. Robert Craft, a friend of the composer, knows this music as well as anyone, and conducts with authority and affection. -- David Hurwitz
      Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) (recorded 1960); Apollo (Apollon musagete) (recorded 1961)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Stravinsky: Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) (recorded 1960); Apollo (Apollon musagete) (recorded 1961)
        Gennady Rozhdestvensky , String Ensemble of the Grand Symphony Orchestra (U.S.S.R.) , and Grand Symphony Orchestra of the State Radio and Television (USSR)
        Manufacturer: Russian Revelation
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000006BA3
        Release Date: 1998-04-21

        Tracks:

        1. Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) - Ballet In Four Scenes: Prologue
        2. Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) - Ballet In Four Scenes: A Village Fete
        3. Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) - Ballet In Four Scenes: At The Mill
        4. Le Baiser de la fee (The Fairy's Kiss) - Ballet In Four Scenes: Epilogue
        5. Apollo (Apollon musagete): Premier tableau - Prologue: The Birth Of Apollo
        6. Apollo (Apollon musagete): Deuxieme tableau - Apollo And The Muses
        Shared Reflection
        Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
        • A Few Flaws Aside...
        • Farkas summarizes his life and plays a little
        • For the horn player in your life.
        		 Shared Reflection

        Manufacturer: Summit(Classical)
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        BalletsBallets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music
        QuartetsQuartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by StraussAll Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        All Works by StravinskyAll Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        Tone PoemsTone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        Ballets & DancesBallets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music
        Similar Items:
        1. American Horn Quartet
        2. Art of French Horn Playing (Art of)

        ASIN: B0000038KE
        Release Date: 1995-07-18

        Tracks:

        1. Love Of The Horn
        2. Unmeasured Prlds, Op.27: No.37
        3. Unmeasured Prlds, Op.27: No.35
        4. Unmeasured Prlds, Op.27: No.27
        5. Unmeasured Prlds, Op.27: No.28
        6. Qt: Moderato
        7. Qt: Adagio
        8. Qt: Vivace
        9. Sym No.3, Excerpt - Chicago Sym
        10. On Choosing The Horn
        11. The Fairy's Kiss, Excerpt - Chicago Sym
        12. Qt: Prld
        13. Qt: Scherzo
        14. Qt: Romanza
        15. Qt: Rondo
        16. Canon in Octave
        17. The Legacy - Philip Farkas/Joe Neisler
        18. Shared Reflections
        19. Ein Heldenleben: Excerpt - Chicago Sym

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars A Few Flaws Aside..........2004-02-11

        There were only a couple things about this CD that somewhat dissapointed me. On the tracks of Farkas speaking, I would have liked to have heard more dialogue relating to advice on how to actually play the horn. The interviews and narrations are still very insightful as to how Farkas himself got started and why he loved to play and teach, but there wasn't much advice as far as actual horn playing goes. Along with that, much of the music on the CD is quartets being performed by his students. These quartets are very nicely recorded, but I myself would have liked to hear more of Farkas playing. These minor items aside, the CD is still INCREDIBLY valuable to any horn player. Farkas performs 4 of Gallay's Unmeasured Preludes, which offer great insight as to his interpretation of some very difficult etudes. Farkas's narration tracks, while not offering much in the way of actually playing the horn, do give the listener a glimpse into his perspective on some of his experiences as a horn player. The excerpts also let anyone interested hear how a true master of orchestral horn playing performs some of the famous horn passages in the orchestral repertoire. Flaws aside, it still gets a 5. Buy this one.

        4 out of 5 stars Farkas summarizes his life and plays a little.......2003-03-16

        One would expect to hear more of Farkas' playing, rather than quartets performed by his students. Farkas' rendition of the "Unmeasured Preludes" are fabulously played, thrilling to hear. His shared reflections inspire one to achieve greater heights of perfection and enjoyment in one's own musicianship. The infectious nature of Farkas' love of the horn easily passes on to the listener in the interview sections.

        5 out of 5 stars For the horn player in your life........2002-06-01

        If you are a horn player or have a serious horn player (french horn, that is) in your life, this is a must have. There are several tracks of Farkas talking about horn playing which are priceless. The playing - etudes, orchestral excerpts and some orchestral snippets are a valuable record of this extremely important American horn icon. This is one to sit back and learn from. This is a great companion to The Art of Horn Playing written by Farkas in his middle years and the biography by Nancy Jordan Fako "Philip Farkas, a happy worthwhile life".

        Music Track:

        1. Suite for Flute & Jazz Trio
        2. Symphony 8 in B Minor
        3. Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No1, Op23; Grieg: Concerto for piano in Am
        4. Tchaikovsky: Romeo & Juliet/Manfred Symphony
        5. Tchaikovsky: Symphony 5/Rococo Variations
        6. Towards The Far Country
        7. Trumpet & Organ: Sonatas & Suites
        8. Violin Concertos 1, 3 & 7
        9. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Op. 8; Double Concerto for Two Horns and Strings; Double Concerto for Two Oboes and Strings (recorded 1967) [Russian Revelation]
        10. Adagio & Concerti

        Music Track

        music track

        Recommended Music:

        Trick of Memory [Import]

        Classical Evolution: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 4

        By Arrangement

        Music: Love Affairs of the Seventies

        Smash Radio Hits (2nd LP)

        Echo Coming Back: The Best of Mike Heron

        Copacabana [Import]

        Chopin: Preludes, Berceuse, Fantasy in F minor

        Collection of American Folk Music [Import]

        DMP does DSD [SACD]

        Descended Like Vultures

        Brazilian Rhapsody [Import]

        20 Trancazos de Plata, Vol. 2

        Cathedrals

        Tubbs Tours