Stravinsky: Apollon musagète; Basel Concerto in D

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Most of this music calls for the kind of elegance Charles Dutoit and his Montreal Symphony (of which this is obviously an offshoot) have provided on many other recordings. Apollo sounds particularly fine in this treatment, a loving performance of a Stravinsky ballet that deserves to be better known. The remaining pieces, with their "neoclassical" adaption of Baroque style, are usually played with stronger emphasis on their rhythmic qualities than Dutoit wants. As a result they sound a bit soft-edged here. They don't sound bad, just different. And especially with the gorgeous Apollo, this generous collection (78:24) earns a strong recommendation. --Leslie Gerber

Tracks:

Con in E flat 'Dumbarton Oaks': I. Tempo giusto
Con in E flat 'Dumbarton Oaks': II. Allegretto
Con in E flat 'Dumbarton Oaks': III. Con moto
Danses concertantes: I. Marche: Intro
Danses concertantes: II. Pas d'action
Danses concertantes: III. Theme varie
Danses concertantes: IV. Pas de deux
Danses concertantes: V. Marche: Conclusion
Con in D: I. Vivace
Con in D: II. Arioso
Con in D: III. Rondo
Apollon musagete, Premier tableau: Prologue Naissance d'Apollon
Apollon musagete, Second tableau: Var d'Apollon: Apollon & les Muses
Apollon musagete, Second tableau: Pas d'action: Apollon & les trois Muses
Apollon musagete. Callipoe, Polymnie et Terpsichore: Var de Calliope (l'Alexandrin)
Apollon musagete. Callipoe, Polymnie et Terpsichore: Var de Polymnie
Apollon musagete. Callipoe, Polymnie et Terpsichore: Var de Terpsichore
Apollon musagete. Callipoe, Polymnie et Terpsichore: Var d'Apollon
Apollon musagete. Callipoe, Polymnie et Terpsichore: Pas de deux: Apollon & Terpsichore
Apollon musagete. Callipoe, Polymnie et Terpsichore: Coda: Apollon & les Muses
Apollon musagete. Callipoe, Polymnie et Terpsichore: Apotheose

Amazon.com

Most of this music calls for the kind of elegance Charles Dutoit and his Montreal Symphony (of which this is obviously an offshoot) have provided on many other recordings. Apollo sounds particularly fine in this treatment, a loving performance of a Stravinsky ballet that deserves to be better known. The remaining pieces, with their "neoclassical" adaption of Baroque style, are usually played with stronger emphasis on their rhythmic qualities than Dutoit wants. As a result they sound a bit soft-edged here. They don't sound bad, just different. And especially with the gorgeous Apollo, this generous collection (78:24) earns a strong recommendation. --Leslie Gerber

Average customer rating:

A Satisfying Selection of Stravinsky's Orchestral Works

Stravinsky: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Tveitt: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 5
Taneyev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3
Julius Röntgen: Symphony No. 3; Suite "Aus Jotunheim"
Rorem: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello; After Reading Shakespeare
Bruckner: Masses #2 & 3, Te Deum, 5 Motets

ASIN: B00005UVAQ
Release Date: 2002-11-05

Tracks:

Introduction - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Marche Chinoise - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Chanson Du Rossignol - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Jeu Du Rossignol Macanique - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
I. Moderato - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
II. Larghetto Concertante - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
III. Allegretto - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
IV. Largo - Tempo Giusto - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
I. ! = 160 - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
II. Andante - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
III. Con Moto - Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

Naissance D'Apollon - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Variation D'Apollon (Apollon Et Les Muses) - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Pas D'Action (Apollon Et Les Trois Muses: Calliope, Polymnie Et Terpsichore - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Variation De Calliope (L'Alexandrin) - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Variation De Polymnie - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Variation De Terpsichore - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Variation D'Apollon - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Pas De Deux (Apollon Et Terpsichore) - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Coda (Apollon Et Les Muses) - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Apothaose - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
I. Tempo Guisto - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
II. Allegretto - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
III. Con Moto - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
I. Vivace - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
II. Arioso: Andantino - Scottish Chamber Orchestra
III. Rondo: Allegro - Scottish Chamber Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

A Satisfying Selection of Stravinsky's Orchestral Works.......2005-04-30

Jukka-Pekka Saraste and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (and Scottish Chamber Orchestra in the 'Apollon musagete') perform these Stravinsky works with panache and incisive attention to the rhythmic complexities and sonorities. The grouping of the works is unusual in that it avoids the more well-known works in favor of some of the less often heard delicacies of the master's output.

Especially rewarding is this reading of the 'Song of the Nightingale', a work that deserves much wider performance, especially like the recent brilliance sculpted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya with the LA Philharmonic, the Disney Hall acoustics unveiling many of the Oriental mysteries and melodies and intonings seldom heard even on this excellent recording.

Jukka-Pekka Saraste is a clear headed, no nonsense conductor who unravels the scores of 'Symphony in C', 'Symphony in Three Movements', 'Apollon musagete', and the 'Dumbarton Oaks' and 'Basel' concertos with dexterity and a keen sense of architecture. The recorded sound is warm and clear and the orchestras are both articulate and excellent in the isolated solo work.

For a solid collection of lesser known Stravinsky this fine recording is a bonus. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, April 05

Average customer rating:

A New, Superb Recording of Stravinsky's Orchestral Works 1927 - 1960

Stravinsky: Orchestral Works

Manufacturer: Ecm Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

ECM Classical | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

ECM Jazz & World | ECM Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0006Z1ZE4
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Tracks:

Monumentum Pro Gesualdo Di Venosa Ad CD Annum
Monumentum Pro Gesualdo Di Venosa Ad CD Annum
Monumentum Pro Gesualdo Di Venosa Ad CD Annum
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Danses Concertantes
Concerto In D
Concerto In D
Concerto In D
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete
Apollon Musagete

Customer Reviews:

A New, Superb Recording of Stravinsky's Orchestral Works 1927 - 1960 .......2005-08-12

Though each of the works on this new release has been recorded in different formats by numerous conductors and orchestras, this selection of Stravinsky purely orchestral chamber works as conducted by Dennis Russell Davies with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra jumps to the top of the 'best recordings' list!

Davies has the verve and sense of humor and compassion to make these rather disparate works ring. The opening work is the too rarely heard 'Monumentum Pro Gesualdo Di Venosa s Cd Annum', a simply gorgeous instrumental homage to Gesualdo's madrigals. The pitting of brass choirs against string and woodwind choirs creates the contrapuntal aspects of Gesualdo's music as though each section of the orchestra was placed in various positions in a cathedral.

The other works are far better known, but Davies infuses them with intelligence and style. 'Danses Concertantes' literally dance for him, the Concerto in D (Stravinsky's version of the 'concerto for orchestra' instead of a solo instrument backed by an ensemble) is classicism personified and the closing 'Apollon Musagete' is both languid and dramatic. The Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra is pitch perfect here and the recorded sound is first rate. Even if some of these works are in your library already, this recording is so fine that it should be added without reservation. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, August 05

Stavinsky: Apollon Musagète/Pulcinella Suite/Concerto in D

Average customer rating:

Stavinsky: Apollon Musagète/Pulcinella Suite/Concerto in D

Manufacturer: Arte Nova Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Apolon Musagete, Premier Tabeau (Prologue): Naissance D'Apollon
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Var D'Apollon
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Pas D'Action
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Variation Calliope
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Var De Polymnie
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Var Terpsichore
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Var D'Apollon
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Pas De Deux
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Coda
Apolon Musagete, Deuxieme Tableau (Appollon Et Les Muses): Apotheose
Pulcinella Suite: Sinfonia (Overture)
Pulcinella Suite: Serenata
Pulcinella Suite: Scherzino
Pulcinella Suite: Tarantella
Pulcinella Suite: Toccata
Pulcinella Suite: Gavotta Con Due Variazioni
Pulcinella Suite: Vivo
Pulcinella Suite: Minuetto
Pulcinella Suite: Finale
Concerto En Re: Vivace
Concerto En Re: Arioso
Concerto En Re: Rondo

Stravinsky: Apollon Musagète; Concerto in D; Cantata

Average customer rating:

very powerfull
One of the Finest of the Salonen Stravinsky Recordings
If I could only listen to one CD for the rest of my life....
if you like Stravinsky, don't miss this CD !

Stravinsky: Apollon Musagète; Concerto in D; Cantata

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000027BW
Release Date: 1991-09-06

Tracks:

Apollo (Apollon musagete): First Scene (Prologue): Apollo's Birth
Scene 2: Apollo's Variation
Scene 2: Pas D'action
Scene 2: Calliope Variation
Scene 2: Polyhymnia Variation
Scene 2: Terpsichore Variation
Scene 2: Apollo's Variation
Scene 2: Pas De Deux
Scene 2: Coda
Scene 2: Apotheosis
Concerto In D For String Orchestra: I. Vivace
Concerto In D For String Orchestra: II. Arioso: Andantino
Concerto In D For String Orchestra: III. Rondo. Allegro
Cantata: A Lyke-Wake Dirge. Versus I. Prelude
Ricercar I: The Maidens Came
Cantata: A Lyke-Wake Dirge. Versus II. First Interlude
Ricercar II: Sacred History
Cantata: A Lyke-Wake Dirge. Versus III. Second Interlude
Westron Wind
Cantata: A Lyke-Wake Dirge. Versus IV. Postlude

Customer Reviews:

very powerfull.......2005-06-18

i have heard many interpatations of these pieces. this offers the best of two worlds.first its reading renders one of the best offerings the london sinfonietta has ever done with these works, two the sound quaility is perfect and very powerfull . the combination of the orchestra and the recording tech create a perfect unison in this juxtaposition

One of the Finest of the Salonen Stravinsky Recordings.......2005-02-19

For all the penetrating performances of the 'big pieces' by Igor Stravinsky for which conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen is so closely associated, this recording of small chamber works is astonishing clear, clean, and wondrously romantic. The first two works for strings alone find Salonen with the superb Stockholm Chamber Orchestra under his baton. The Cantata moves to the London Sinfonietta and Chorus with Salonen's usual soloists for these Sony Recordings of the early 1990s - John Aler and Yvonne Kenny.

'Apollon Musagete' is from Stravinsky's 'neo-classical period', a time when he elected to study old forms and wash them through his own vocabulary. The work is some of the most beautifully sensuous music from his output. Salonen gives an impeccable, languid, seamless performance of this moving work here. The same holds for the 'Concerto in D for String Orchestra', which returns to some of the wit and bite of Stravinsky's other works from this period. These two works are his only works for strings alone.

The 'Cantata' is a too rarely performed chamber piece for tenor, soprano, small women's chorus, and flute, oboe, English horn and cello providing the setting for English poems from the 15th and 16th centuries. It was composed immediately after Stravinsky's big opera 'The Rake's Progress' and serves as his final work form the neo-classical period of composition. The performance here is clean, clear, and poignant. There are references to the 'Symphony of Psalms' and 'Oedipus Rex' and it is indeed a treat to have such a definitive performance on record.

For those unfamiliar with this period of Stravinsky's output there could be no better introduction. This is one of those recordings to cherish as echt Stravinsky - as we have come to expect from Salonen! Grady Harp, February 2005

If I could only listen to one CD for the rest of my life...........2001-10-27

I would have to seriously consider this one. I have spent four months attempting to track down the best overall performance of Apollo, and have come to the conclusion that this is it. The performance is spirited and the sound is immaculate. The only complaint that one could have is that the final cadence to the First Act is in half-time compared to other performances, and as all of the other recordings I have heard follow this guideline, I can only assume that Mr. Salonen doctored the score. However, this is a small price to pay for the privelege of hearing the finest piece of music a mortal can hope for. I once thought that all of music was a grand lie perpetrated on the masses by sick artists concerned solely with their own glorification: this piece reached out to me as I lay dying in the gutter of modern consumer culture and bid me to love music again. The surest cure for modernity and a call to a greater human destiny...

if you like Stravinsky, don't miss this CD !.......2000-12-07

...and if you don't, you might change your mind.

"Apollon Musagète" is a melodic, gorgeous piece for strings created for a ballet in 1927, choreographed by George Balanchine. It's themes weave and flow into each other, with some parts having marvelous rhythmic patterns.

"Concerto in D for String Orchestra", written in the mid 40's was used by Jerome Robbins for his ballet "The Cage" (about the mating habits of spiders !) in 1951. This incredible piece, though seldom heard unless performed as "The Cage" is fabulous. For the sensual "Arioso: Andantino" alone it's a must to have.

The beauty of "Cantata" is in a different style. Composed in '51, it's much more "modern". Either because as a student of Balanchine I'm more familiar with the ballet compositions, or because of all languages for singing, English is my rock-bottom least favorite, this piece is not as close to my heart as the first two selections. Nevertheless, I appreciate its loveliness, and its purity of sound.