This CD is reissued by ArkivMusic.
Notes and Editorial Reviews
The conducting is unfailingly exciting, culminating in a blistering Sacrificial Dance, but the playing is also amazingly beautiful--sharp, clear, well-balanced, and meticulous as only this ensemble in its prime could be.
These two excellent performances have in common the fact that they were both made by two exciting young conductors toward the start of their respective careers, and although both have gone on to further impressive achievements, it's probably fair to say that neither has ever quite recaptured the excitement of his early work. This is particularly true of Michael Tilson Thomas, who had the inestimable advantage of working with the Boston Symphony at the top of its form. This is one of the great Rites, and
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certainly the best one made in Boston (along with Monteux's which is compromised by somewhat limited mono sonics). The conducting is unfailingly exciting, culminating in a blistering Sacrificial Dance, but the playing is also amazingly beautiful (without ever turning bland) and somehow still "French"--meaning sharp, clear, well-balanced, and meticulous as only this ensemble in its prime could be.
Dutoit's Petrushka, here in its original scoring, is surprisingly lyrical, with the folk-influences in the two outer tableaux particularly well caught. There are rhythmically crisper versions around, but Dutoit is hardly lax in this respect, and he captures the earthy spirit of the piece extremely well, aided by a responsive LSO. There's a lot to be said for conductors working with an orchestra over time, but sometimes an inspirational guest working with a top-notch ensemble brings a welcome degree of freshness and excitement, and that's just what happens in both of these performances. Thomas also offers a bonus in the form of the rarely heard, Scriabinesque cantata King of the Stars, just as well done as the Rite. The engineering is perfectly fine and never compromises the performances. This on-demand production from Arkivmusic.com deserves a home in any serious Stravinsky collection.
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com
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Works on This Recording
1.
Le sacre du printemps by Igor Stravinsky
Conductor:
Michael Tilson Thomas
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1911-1913
Date of Recording: 01/1972
Venue: Symphony Hall, Boston
Length: 34 Minutes 0 Secs.
Notes: Composition written: Switzerland (1911 - 1913).
Composition revised: USA (1943).
2.
Pétrouchka by Igor Stravinsky
Performer:
Tamás Vásáry (Piano)
Conductor:
Charles Dutoit
Orchestra/Ensemble:
London Symphony Orchestra
Period: 20th Century
Written: Switzerland
Date of Recording: 04/1976
Venue: Henry Wood Hall, London, England
Length: 35 Minutes 54 Secs.
Notes: Composition written: Switzerland (1911).
Composition revised: 1947.
3.
Le roi des étoiles by Igor Stravinsky
Conductor:
Michael Tilson Thomas
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Boston Symphony Orchestra,
New England Conservatory Chorus
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1911-1912; Russia
Date of Recording: 10/1975
Venue: Henry Wood Hall, London, England
Length: 5 Minutes 23 Secs.
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