Scherchen At His Best
Jeffrey Lipscomb | Sacramento, CA United States | 06/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These performances are among Scherchen's very finest accomplishments. Some of these were once available on Westminster's fabled "Lab Series" LPs. Those still sound a little clearer and more crystalline - but this CD is nonetheless an excellent transfer of some classic readings.The main attraction here is probably the Petrushka. While I feel that Rite of Spring could more aptly be likened to Beethoven's Eroica as a pathbreaking score, Petrushka is very much a revolutionary work. Its ingenius orchestration was no doubt partly the result of Stravinsky's studies with Rimsky-Korsakov - but Stravinsky brought a special astringency and tart wit to bear that went far beyond that of his teacher.While the Royal Philharmonic's playing is not faultless (limited rehearsal time?), this chiseled account is extraordinary. It is one of the three finest readings I have heard, along with Stravinsky's own and the virtuoso Amsterdam Concertgebouw recording by Hans Rosbaud. The latter was once on a Philips LP -it SCREAMS to be re-issued on CD.Scherchen's "locomotive" Pacific 231 was a real sonic blockuster in its day. This and the other Honegger pieces still have impressive mono sonics, with fine interpretations to match. For a fascinating comparison, you might try Honegger's own readings of La Temptete, Pastoral d'ete, Pacific 231, and Rugby (along with a great Symphony #3) on Music & Arts 767. Others worth a listen include Munch's Pastorale (Valois), and Paul Sacher's Chant de Joie on a Pan CD.But if I could have just ONE recording of each work here, this Scherchen CD would fit the bill very nicely."
Make It New
Kevin Maynard | Markyate, ST ALBANS, Hertfordshire United Kingdom | 01/06/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently tuned into this Petrouchka on the radio while driving into work. My initial reaction was, which new young conductor is this? Why have I never heard so vibrant and richly-coloured an interpretation before? The orchestral detail was quite stunning, and the energy as raw and compulsive as the best Stravinsky performances I've ever heard, whether on disc or in the concert hall. I was dumbfounded when I discovered the recording date. Buy it, and the hairs on the back of your neck will bristle with excitement! No Stravinsky-lover can afford to be without this record."