Stravinsky: Rite Of Spring, Fireworks, Petrouchka / Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Chicago Symphony

Igor Stravinsky (Composer, Conductor, Performer), Boston Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra, Conductor), Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Michael Tilson Thomas (Performer, Orchestra), Michael Tilson Thomas (Artist), Seiji Ozawa (Artist)

Product Details

• Performer: Igor Stravinsky, Michael Tilson Thomas
• Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Michael Tilson Thomas
• Conductor: Igor Stravinsky, Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Composer: Igor Stravinsky
• Audio CD (March 9, 1999)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00000I9MQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #15,171 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #14 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( S ) > Stravinsky, Igor
  #34 in	Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Historical Periods > Modern & 20th Century
  #42 in	Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music > Tone Poems

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Boston Symphony was at the peak of its powers when it engaged the 34-year-old Seiji Ozawa for this 1969 recording of Petrushka, in which the orchestra's then 24-year-old assistant conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas, played the extensive solo piano part. Ozawa, in those years, was capable of striking sparks with any orchestra he faced, and there is a palpable sense of excitement to the Petrushka he uncorks here. The accounts of The Rite of Spring and Fireworks, recorded in 1968 with the Chicago Symphony, are equally dynamic and colorful. BMG's long-awaited 24/96 remastering unleashes the breathtakingly open sound of the original tapes for the first time on CD, and may require a volume cut to preserve peace with the neighbors. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Rite of Spring, March 27, 2004

By	Prescott Cunningham Moore - See all my reviews

Ozawa's account of Stravinsky's most famous ballet is nothing short of astounding. The conductor has the Chicago Symphony playing with total attention. What is so amazing about this recording is that the orchestra is completely controlled and balanced. Although one may prefer a more spontaneous sounding Rite, one would be hard pressed to find a recording with more energy, polish, and power.

Ozawa's Petrouchka (with Michael Tilson Thomas at the piano) is equally amazing. The beauty of phrasing and emotion Ozawa instills into the players of the Boston Symphony orchestra is chilling. Indeed, when this recording was made, Ozawa had just taken the reigns or the orchestra (however, over the years, his energy and intensity has lessened) and they play for their new music director with total conviction.

Fireworks, a short symphonic sketch by the young Stravinsky, shows the influences of his teachers, especially Paul Dukas in the orchestration. Although not a seminal work, the opus 4 is delightful.

The recording quality is of equal quality. Highly recommended.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Stravinsky, March 2, 2001

By	John "[e-mail]" (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) - See all my reviews

This performance of the Rite is probably the best I have heard. The quality of the recording is amazing, I have to listen to it at reduced volume to prevent things from falling off the shelves in my house! Ozawa leads his Chicago forces flawlessly, confidently bringing out the powerful, driving rhythms in full force, while bringing to the slow moments a sense of tension and mystery. Ozawa's recording of Petrouchka, with Michael Tilson-Thomas and the Bostonians, is no less powerful and exciting. The short orchestral piece, Fireworks ends things with a bang.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best or not, you'll really love this Rite of Spring, June 28, 2004

By	Shota Hanai (Torrance, CA) - See all my reviews

Being among my top favorite pieces in the 20th century (after all, this piece turned the view of classical music upside down), I have tested myself listening to various versions by different performers. As far as much as I listened, my top two will have to be Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic (the most brashing, bashin, mind-crushin'!!!) and this equally thrilling performance with Ozawa leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Officially, this is a major highlight throughout Ozawa's conducting legacy, still a very young man with seemly imperishable vigor and force very equilavent to his teacher Lenny. The Boston Symphony is an excellent orchestra to work with (the woodwinds and brass especially); otherwize the Chicago Symphony could have been the only other choice.

In my perspective, I had to admit that, just by focusing on the level of being barbaric and noxious, it slightly lacks that to Lenny, but on the other hand, it's brilliant controlled nail-biting high tempo can cover that.

Definitely worth buying!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!