Search - Stravinsky, Vegh, Petkov :: Rite of Spring / Appolon Musagete

New from Eastern Europe

02/15/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It is good to see, that Eastern Europe comes back to the rest of the world after 50 years. And good the hear, that even during this time culture did peogress! This recording of the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra with the famous Stravinsky's piece is something unusual. Very high orchestra quallity and beautiful interpretation, this is not something one would expect from unknown ensemble specially, when the piece is The Rite of Spring! I would just wish that more often people will be surprized like that. For sure , this CD is something one should hear!"

Finally found it!

moomoomoo2elt | Midland, TX United States | 07/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have finally found my favorite recording of The Rite of Spring. I had recently purchased a box set, and this orchestra performed the second movement. This was the best recording that I have heard, and I began frantically searching for it. And I finally found it! I have never heard an orchestra's sound so clear and defined. It is played with enthusiasm and is very fearceful. It is an amazing recording, and I would recommend it for anyone who is not yet a Stravinsky fan or anyone who has not foudn the right recording."

Buy This One for the Filler

12/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rite of Spring is probably my favorite orchestral piece, hence I permit myself the luxury of owning what might mildly be termed "multiple recordings" (in this case, >12). Virtually all of them are wonderful, some more so than others (Ancerl's reading with the Czech Philharmonic is, however, my hands-down favorite--I don't think anything else is even in the same league). Therefore, when I happened upon mentions of this recording on Amazon, I traced the link, read the two favorable reviews, made note of the incredibly reasonable price (third-party seller), and bit the bullet. What, after all, did I have to lose?
First, that Rite. While I wouldn't consider this a reference recording, it more than holds its own. The musicianship is immaculate and the performance conveys real emotion; these musicians are clearly having a great time and are connecting with a Slavic piece at what seems to be a gut level. At these prices, the purchase of this disk would be justified for this reading alone.
HOWEVER...
The first few notes of Appollon Musagete IMMEDIATELY grabbed me, prompting me, in turn, to grab the jewel case. This piece is conducted by one Sandor Vegh leading Camerata Academica Salzburg. I immediately did some online research and was gratified to discover that Vegh was a largely unsung genius from the same former Austro-Hungarian Empire that produced such talents as Ancerl, Dorati, Kublelik, Ormandy, Reiner, and Szell. He apparently (and most unfortunately) didn't leave much of a recorded legacy; what is available has earned critics' highest praise (and believe me, I intend to verify).
Camerata Academica was Vegh's own hand-picked ensemble, and this reading is perfection. In my opinion, it blows Chailly's much-better-known reading right out of the water--this recording is in another class altogether. The sound on both recordings is a bit thin, but (if forced to decide) my own preference is for performance over sonics unless a recording is unlistenable. Don't look for liner notes--there aren't any (it's a LaserLight release, 'nuff said).
Warmest recommendation, don't hesitate!"