This CD is reissued by ArkivMusic.
Notes and Editorial Reviews
When Bartók’s Miraculous Mandarin was first performed it was instantly banned because of its ‘immoral’ scenario, which describes the fate of three men lured by a prostitute into her accomplices’ hiding place. Each one is robbed and thrown out, except for the mysterious mandarin who proves to be too strong for the ruffians. In their panic they try to murder him, but he refuses to die until the prostitute embraces him. It’s a grim story, but most readings try to soften it by dwelling on the few tender moments, such as the waltz between the prostitute and her second client, a shy young student.
Charles Dutoit will have none of that. His waltz is beautifully shaped, but it is quickly despatched to make way for the
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onrushing drama, which is conveyed with absolutely crackling intensity. From the opening bars, which portray the hectic bustle of city traffic, there’s no let-up. I’ve never heard the seething energy of the score projected so vividly before, or the mandarin’s chase scene sound quite so demented. The ballet is combined with a deft, well-shaped performance of the Divertimento which stresses its classical serenity, and a fine reading of the Two Portraits.
-- Ivan Hewett, BBC Music Magazine
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Works on This Recording
1.
Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19/Sz 73 by Béla Bartók
Performer:
Robert Crowley (Clarinet)
Conductor:
Charles Dutoit
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Montreal Symphony Orchestra,
Montreal Symphony Chorus
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1918-1919; Budapest, Hungary
Date of Recording: 1991
Venue: St. Eustache, Montreal, Canada
Length: 29 Minutes 44 Secs.
2.
Divertimento for String Orchestra, Sz 113 by Béla Bartók
Performer:
Guy Fouquet (Cello),
Neal Gripp (Viola),
Michael Leiter (Double Bass),
Reynald L'Archevęque (Violin),
Richard Roberts (Violin)
Conductor:
Charles Dutoit
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1939; Budapest, Hungary
Date of Recording: 1991
Venue: St. Eustache, Montreal, Canada
Length: 25 Minutes 44 Secs.
3.
Portraits (2) for Orchestra, Op. 5/Sz 37 by Béla Bartók
Performer:
Chantal Juillet (Violin)
Conductor:
Charles Dutoit
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1907-1911; Budapest, Hungary
Date of Recording: 1991
Venue: St. Eustache, Montreal, Canada
Length: 12 Minutes 10 Secs.
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