Search - Igor Stravinsky (Composer); James DePreist (Conductor) :: Stravinsky: Rite of Spring / Firebird Suite

It's not just a shocker, its a ballet!

Michael E. Fine | Lake Ariel, PA United States | 02/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a recording producer, I've made three recordings of Stravinsky's classic and heard countless others: this, with James DePreist and the Oregon Symphony, is one of the very best. I'm tempted to say that it is the first in a very long time that honors its original status as a ballet. Compelling, powerful and dramatic, it is still balletic in conception. (This may also be said for the recordings made by the man who premiered the work, Pierre Monteux.) The orchestra played splendidly during the sessions and the sound, by my colleague John Eargle, has extraordinary presence and impact. Rush out and buy it!"

What a bassoonist!

Herbert W. Fawcett | San Francisco Bay area | 01/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a welcome addition to the many recordings of Stravinsky's Rite. The sound is rich and mellow, pagan and savage, light, powerful...everything you want from the Rite with perfect clarity on my demanding sound system. What struck me immediately, as a bassoonist with years of playing behind me, was the beauty of sound and coherence of phrasing by Mark Eubanks, the principal bassoonist. I suspect that it may relate to his additional skill as a jazz player that he creates a feeling of complete freedom in the solo passage that opens the Ballet. He takes no unwarranted liberties, but within Stravinsky's explicitly notated structure, he suavely communicates the contemplative mood of the opening bassoon solo. There is no way to detect that this is a very difficult moment for the bassoon. Add this to your collection, especially if you have an interest in the bassoon superbly played in a great setting."