Customer Reviews

Stravinsky: Rite of Spring, Firebird Suite / Bernstein

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Bernstein's genius is evident in this recording of two of Stravinsky's greatest works, but it is not his best. His recording with the London Symphony Orchestra is much better stylistically and The NY Philharmonic's Firebird takes the cake. Buy this only if you can't find the Bernstein Century edition of these two works.

Leonard Bernstein's conducting, though not always to the composer's intentions is very passionate. In this recording of the Rite of Spring and the Firebird, I believe not only was Bernstein amazingly passionate, but he also stayed true to the composer's intentions. The performances of these extremely difficult pieces are very emotional and pulled off well, due in part to the fact that they are live performances. All of it is heard in amazing digital sound. Plus the liner notes are interesting. I've heard that Bernstein's interpretations with the London Symphony are even better. Though I've never heard them, I know they must be amazing because these totally blew me away. Forget Boulez's interpretation. Great as it may be, it doesn't compare to Bernsteins. The only one that I thought came close was Karajan's. BTY, I'd recommend buying these performances as part of DG's master's series rather than the LB Series, because for a few extra bucks you get another cd with two other Stravinsky works. Either one you choose, I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

This CD couples Bernstein's 1982 remakes of two Stravinsky works that were stunning when he first recorded them, twenty years earlier, in New York. The Israel Phil. can be rated alongside a good German radio orchestra from Frankfurt or Cologne, which means that they are highly competent but not inspiring. DG's early digital sound, in the latest remastering at least, has lots of presence and impact without much digital glare.

As to the performances, the Firebird is at times quite inspiring. Bernstein phrases so beautifully n the quieter movements, often at somewhat broader tempos than usual, that the socre weaves a spell other conductors find hard to match. This isn't the flashiest Firebird ever recorded, but it's totally engaging, one of the late Bernstein's best Stravinsky readings.

The Le Sacre is hit or miss--from the opening wind solos led by the bassoon, we are aware that these musicians can't match those in the NY Phil. or London Sym., the two orchestras who played under LB in his earlier, spectacular Le Sacres for Sony. But he so completely owns the work that many moments emrerge with great impact. This isn't a brutal, visceral Le Sacre, despsite the thudding percussion and screaming dissonances. I would rate the best parts among the best I've ever heard, except that LB loses tension too often, and there are sagging tempos here and there. Certainly this Le Sacre deserves four stars, however, and perhaps the Firebird one more.

I own several versions of Rite of Spring which are highly rated (Karajan, Abbado, Dorati)but I have to say I like Bernstein's version the most. Bernstein's version is very exciting, passionate, and vibrant. His tempo is a bit faster than that of Karajan and Abbado and I like it much better. The playing by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is excellent; the sound quality is superb. I also enjoy the Firebird as well -- Bernstein captures the different moods of the Firebird Suite very well -- from the somber, slightly sinister beginning played by the double-basses, the beautiful dance of the princess, to the rousing finale. Again, the interpretation by Bernstein, the playing by IPO, and the sound quality are excellent. Highly recommended!!

I have always loved Stravinsky, especially the Firebird. Tha Suite is a pleasant 'best of' for when you can't enjoy the whole version.

These two pieces by Stravinsky are seminal--they are performed and listened to by enthusiasts throughtout the world since their introduction.

Bernstein here aptly conducts the Israel Philharmonic. My choice for the Firebrid would be Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra, while Ozawa and the Boston would be my choice for the premier recording of The Rite of Spring.

Bernstein here at times is too highly interpretative of Stravinsky.