Stravinsky: Rite of Spring, Firebird Suite / Bernstein

Igor Stravinsky (Composer), Leonard Bernstein (Conductor), Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Orchestra: Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
• Composer: Igor Stravinsky
• Audio CD (July 24, 1990)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GDZ
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #145,808 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shaftvinsky, September 17, 2000

By	Christian Pieper (Beaver Dam, Kentucky) - See all my reviews

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best and most exciting versions of Rite of Spring, October 14, 2005

By	moviemusicbuff (Walnut, CA United States) - See all my reviews

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!!

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Rite Better Firebird, July 22, 2001

By	J.A. Michaelson "J.A. Michaelson" (Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews

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.