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Stravinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps
Igor Stravinsky, Fazil Say
Stravinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (14) - Disc #1

This is like no other Rite of Spring you're likely to be familiar with, not even the piano four-hands version it's based on. The pianist and Teldec's engineers have done some arcane digital overdubbing, synchronizing, and ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Igor Stravinsky, Fazil Say
Title: Stravinsky: Le Sacre du Printemps
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Warner Music France
Release Date: 3/6/2001
Album Type: Enhanced, Import
Genre: Classical
Styles: Ballets & Dances, Ballets, Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830)
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 685738104123

Synopsis

Amazon.com
This is like no other Rite of Spring you're likely to be familiar with, not even the piano four-hands version it's based on. The pianist and Teldec's engineers have done some arcane digital overdubbing, synchronizing, and overrecording so that Say's two hands sound like many more pounding away at the keyboard. A prepared piano and percussive effects are added to further simulate the orchestra. And Say grunts and groans a lot. Still, piano versions of complex orchestral scores are more suited for study purposes and for clarifying elements that get lost when clothed in instrumental colors. Most people will be satisfied with the many fine orchestral recordings, including those by Dorati, Boulez, Markevitch, and Stravinsky. Despite the disc's synthetic quality, which will make it off-limits for many, it's undeniably exciting, full of raw power and interesting effects. The meager 31 minutes of playing time is justified by Say's claim that no appropriate disc mate could be found. (Someone should tell him about "Stop" buttons--nobody's forced to listen straight through.) As an "enhanced CD," it can be put into the CD drive of your computer, and you'll see a brief MTV-type video of Say doing snippets of Bach, Gershwin, and the Stravinsky in a cell-like room while the camera nervously jumps about. --Dan Davis

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CD Reviews

Brilliant CD (and bonus video)
05/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the most radical and profound performances of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring -- haunting, poetic, agressive and innovative. It is a deeply personal performance and is the jolt that classical music needs, rather than the usual academic and perfunctory approach. It still respects the music, but it a singular and unique interpretation that is bound to win Fazil Say many followers, and a few dissenters. The disc is beautifully recorded, and also features a fantastic short "art film" on the CD-Rom side that features Say performing excerpts from Gershwin, Bach and Stravinksy. This is not just another music video or attempt to be "hip" but a gorgeous cinematic compliment to Say's playing, giving the music added dimension and emotional resonance. It is beautifully directed, photographed and designed. The CDs package design is taken from the video. All around, this is a great CD. With any justice, critics and audiences (and Grammys) will follow."
A Phosphorescent Rite of Spring
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/11/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fazil Say has added a significant contribution to the discography of the works of Igor Stravinsky with this fine recording of Stravinsky's own transcription for Piano Four Hands of his ballet THE RITE OF SPRING. Long a staple in the orchestra halls around the world (and very frequently recorded in the orchestral version), this is the first recording of the four hand piano version to my knowledge. Fazil Say has a solid grasp on all of the primordial matrix from which the subsequent musical ideas emerge. Yes, it at times sounds as though there are more pianos on the stage of the recording session than just the one, but that is due in part to the genius of Teldec's engineers. While Say is the only performer his recordings are superimposed to flesh out all of the sonic splendor Strvinsky imagined. Strange sounds arise from the fabric of sound: the piano was 'prepared' for some of the over-recording. For those who know and love the ballet and the pure orchestral frenzy that ignited our last century in music, this recording will enlighten and energize and create even more respect for this masterpiece of Stravinsky's genius. Highly Recommended."
A Masterpiece
12/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't worry about the "purity" of it, its purely delightful. This pianist truly understands the work, and will elucidate it for you with his interpretation. In his liner notes, Mr. Say describes how, "This music brought me back to life". He has done so for me, hopefully for you too."