Search - Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, Chicago Symphony Orchestra :: Stravinsky: The Firebird/Fantaisie for Orchestra Op.4/Four Studies

Much different than Boulez' 1975 interpretation

chefdevergue | Spokane, WA United States | 07/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For anyone familiar with Boulez' 1975 version (with the NY Philharmonic) of the full-length Firebird, this recording will represent a significant departure from Boulez' earlier interpretation. In general, the tempo of the piece is decidedly slower, and the sound of the orchestra is positively languid at times. In the hands of Boulez this time around, Stravinsky sounds more like the musical descendant of Debussy rather than Rimsky-Korsakov. However, the rather Gallic qualities of this interpretation are more than valid, if one reads the program notes --- in many ways, L'Oiseau de feu is more a French ballet than a Russian one.



Still, I find myself more drawn to the 1975 version, which is much more ferocious & absolutely bristles with menacing energy. Good luck finding it; it has been out of print for years, and if it was ever re-issued on CD, I am unaware of it. The 1975 version is yet another reason that I don't get rid of my record player.



The chances are that you will not be able to compare the two versions, which is a shame. Boulez does a splendid job with two radically different interpretations, and this newer version certainly does justice to Stravinsky in every way. I don't think I have ever heard the CSO sound so lush, and that is entirely due to Boulez. This is a definite must for anyone who loves 20th century ballet."

Absolutely Stellar!

chefdevergue | 11/04/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The CSO and Boulez are a dynamic duo, with several amazing recordings to their credit. This Firebird is quite possibly one of the best recordings in my collection, soaring above even the Ansermet/New Philharmonia recording in dramatic intensity and polish. This work comes across with distinct clarity, especially in the rhythmic Danse Infernale, which truly lives up to its name in spark and exhaustively percussive texture. This is not to say that the melodic lines in the Khorovod or Final do not soar as well, for these are especially noteworthy as some of the few truly flawless oboe and horn solos heard in today's recordings. Boulez has a special affinity for Stravinsky here, giving shattering performances of Feux d'Artifice and the Etudes as well."

Fantastic Full-Length Firebird!

D. Seymour | Atlanta, GA USA | 07/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another great disc from Pierre Boulez and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! Packed full of electric energy, this disc is a great reminder that the Firebird is, first and foremost, a ballet and not simply an orchestral showpiece. Stravinksy's music bristles with movement, which is accentuated by Deutsche Grammophon's brilliant soundscape. For 46 minutes the listener is transported through the intangible world of good and evil. When Stravinsky drops you throught the portal on the other side at the finale 'Rejoicing', there can be no doubt that good has triumphed. This is some of the best music ever written. It is a pleasure to hear it in its entirety. The orchestral fantasy 'Fireworks' is a perfect encore to the Firebird with its jubilant percolations. The four Etudes are more modern in tone, but make a delightful curtain closer. "Madrid" especially will capture your attention. In short, this is a Stravinsky disc not to be overlooked!"