Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures

Igor Stravinsky (Composer), Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
• Composer: Igor Stravinsky
• Audio CD (June 13, 2000)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B00004SDNX
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #155,868 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

One of the earliest recordings by Orpheus was a Stravinsky LP of the works Orpheus and Danses concertantes for the Pro Arte label, still available as Deutsche Grammophon 459644 and still a sparkling example of Stravinsky style. This new collection includes works for such diversified scorings as pairs of bassoons or trumpets, wind octet, and full string orchestra. The alert, heads-up style of Orpheus's playing makes all the music come alive, through such a diversity of moods and styles as the early, lightweight Suites for Small Orchestra, the bubbling neo-Baroque cleverness of the Wind Octet, and the serious, thoughtful demeanor of the Concerto in D. Since there is such a variety of Stravinsky moods and styles on this disc, it's equally recommendable as a library supplement for a diehard Stravinsky lover or as an introduction for a Stravinsky neophyte. And it is highly recommended. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming Stravinsky, August 8, 2000

By 

D. B. Rathbun (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures (Audio CD)

This recent release is an outstanding contribution to the Stravinsky discography, and everything on this disc is Stravinsky at his most charming. First, I think this is now the best available recording of the Octet, by far. It's also probably the ONLY available recording of any quality of the jazz praeludium, the bassoon duet, and the fanfare for a new theatre. It is also the best available recording of the suites, the tango, and the ragtime. Years ago I acquired a recording of the concerto in d done by the Moscow Virtuosi under Spivakov, and although that performance is perhaps a little tighter, this new recording is a lot cleaner and better recorded. I also compare the three pieces for quartet with my recording of the Alban Berg Quartet's rendition, and I think Orpheus's foursome does a more characteristic job. The scherzo a la russe also sounds great.

This is a great collection of hard-to-find Stravinsky, definitively played and superbly recorded. I think it is essential for any Stravinsky afficionado to hear it. As for those who don't know much stravinsky, I cannot think of a better introduction to his music. This is some of his most accessible, and in my opinion some of the pieces on this disc are among his best works. Additionally, the disc offers works that represent every period and style of Stravinsky's artistic life, and as such provide an excellent picture of Stravinsky's entire output. Granted, these works aren't the Rite of Spring, the Symphony of Psalms, Petroushka, or the Requiem Canticles, but I would hate to think that someone would be turned off of a composer as wonderful as Stravinsky on first hearing a work as massive and powerful as the Rite, whereas they may bring a greater understanding and appreciation of the "big" works having first heard some of Stravinsky's more accessible albeit just as good works.

In sum, this is a Stravinsky disc that would be great for anyone. I am very happy to have found it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection, November 17, 2002

By 

Michael J. Keyes (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures (Audio CD)

This collection of twelve short pieces by Stravinsky is beautifully performed by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the recorded sound is glorious. The various compositions are for quite a variety of instruments and ensembles, ranging from string quartet to chamber orchestra. The two qualities that are shared by all of the pieces are genius and a brilliantly upbeat mood. This is a CD to play when you're feeling down in the dumps or mad at the world.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kissing the joy as it flies, August 10, 2001

By 

Daniel R. Greenfield "Dan" (Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures (Audio CD)

This album is a rare delight. You cannot listen to this album without feeling this incredible 'joie de vivre' that infuses it. Orpheus has taken Stravinsky's chamber music into a whole new and ethereal realm. The ensemble's enthusiasm is downright contagious. There is nothing to criticise; it is all sweet bliss! If you've ever doubted Stravinsky's genius, this recording will dispel those doubts forever. This will easily become one of the best-loved recordings of any classical music collection. Don't miss it!