Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures

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

Tracks:

Tango
Suite No.1: I. Andante
Suite No.1: II. Napolitana
Suite No.1: III. Espanola
Suite No.1: IV. Balalaika
Suite No.2: I. Marche
Suite No.2: II. Valse
Suite No.2: III. Polka
Suite No.2: IV. Galop
Concerto In D: I. Vivace: Dotted Quarter Note = 126
Concerto In D: II. Arioso: Andantino
Concerto In D: III. Rondo: Allegro
Concertino
Octet: I. Sinfonia: Lento - Allegro moderato
Octet: II. Tema: (Andantio) con variazioni - Var. A - Var. B - Var. C - Var. D - Var. A - Var. E - Moderato (Quarter Note = 116) attacca
Octet: III. Finale: Tempo giusto (Quarter Note = 116)
Three Pieces For String Quartet: Quarter Note = 126
Three Pieces For String Quartet: Quarter Note = 76
Three Pieces For String Quartet: Half Note = 40
Praeludium For Jazz Ensemble
Ragtime
Duet For 2 Bassoons
Fanfare For A New Theatre For 2 Trumpets
Scherzo a la Russe

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:

Stravinsky conquers all..........2006-02-03

This CD won a Grammy for Best Small Ensemble Performance at the 2001 Grammy awards. If for whatever reason you can't sit through Stravinsky's longer compositions, but you want to hear what he has to say, you will find this album to your liking. Most songs are under 3 minutes long; short and sweet.

This album is a compilation of short Stravinsky songs composed over a 6 decade period. If you want a snapshot of the different points in his musical career, purchase this album. However, I highly recommend you do not stop here and buy more of his music. You'll always be addicted to at least one of these songs; that will keep you coming back (I've been listening every day since I purchased back on 1 Oct. 2005).

Further, it's the little quirks that heighten the beauty of each piece. For instance, in "Tema" (Track 15) the music gradually declines into a beautiful 10 second flute solo, just before the horns begin the intro to the next track; a very nice contrast to the tone of the song.

Another example is "Arioso," (Track 11). This is one song which is somewhat outside Stravinsky's "norm". It does not contain melodies like you heard in "Rite of Spring" or "Petrushka" (both of which are fantasic). It's a soft, slightly soppy, string piece. It could easily placate the two or three individuals alive today who consider Stravinsky harsh. Hearing it on the radio, you could mistake it for a piece by Schubert.

This music will stay in the back of your head and leap into your mind at the most peculiar moments. You'll find yourself humming a few bars in the shower months after you've heard one song, or perhaps one night Stravinsky will provide the background score in a dream (or nightmare?). What is certain: you need time to digest these songs; Stravinsky is a very clever composer and we men of "the herd" sometimes don't understand what his music says at the first go. When your mind opens and you REALLY hear Stravinsky, the power of it all may bring tears to your eyes. Stravinsky does that.

One extra note: Shortly after buying this album, I became inspired to learn the trumpet & horn; I only later learned that Stravinsky had a special love of wind instruments and he expresses this love in his pieces. That Stravinsky can inspire a layman like myself proves his genius. In the words of William Ward: "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."

This CD will satisfy all tastes, and leave you craving more.

Perfection.......2002-11-18

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.

Kissing the joy as it flies.......2001-08-10

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!

Light, Likeable Stravinsky.......2001-03-22

I can't believe Stravinsky wrote these. I appreciate his other music even though I do not necessarily care for it. This is a Stravinsky recording I really like. The pieces are fun and light. I believe the Tango is worth buying the c.d. for. The whole c.d. is fantastic. Orpheus, as always, does a great job playing this. They are extremely versitle. I highly recommend this to even skeptics of his music. This is wonderful.

So You Thought Stravinsky Was "Serious?".......2000-08-13

This cd showcases Stravinsky's lighter side. But don't mistake this to mean simple. Stravinsky writes demanding, yet transparent passages that only virtuoso musicians can play with such ease. Intonation is excellent with snappy tempos, sensual ensemble work, and, the Orpheus gang is having fun through the most difficult Stravinsky-an passages! "Shadow Dances" by Orpheus reveals a Stravinsky seldom heard. This cd is a definite MUST BUY for anyone even remotely serious of music. It's one of the few no-brainer purchases.

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