Search - Stravinsky, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra :: Stravinsky: Orpheus; Danses concertantes

The conductorless Orpheus Chamber Orchestra offers sterling performances of two gems from Stravinsky's neoclassical period. In Orpheus, completed in 1947, Stravinsky again mines the rich lode of Greek myth for a dance score whose classic restraint, inventive scoring, and melodic freshness make it one of his most attractive works, albeit one too rarely heard outside the ballet theater, where it's joined to George Ballanchine's inspired choreography. Danses concertantes was premiered in 1942 as a concert work and later adapted by Ballanchine for the stage. It offers an altogether brighter, more extroverted side of Stravinsky's neoclassical style, with spiky rhythms, angular melodies, and an irresistible forward motion. The Orpheus players have come up with another winning disc, marred only by short playing time but enhanced by superb sonics. --Dan Davis