Search - Igor Stravinsky, Pierre Boulez, Cleveland Orchestra :: Stravinsky: Petrushka; The Rite of Spring

A stunning Stravinsky remake from Pierre Boulez and the Clev

Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 09/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a stunning remake of Stravinsky's two ballets "Petrouchka" and "The Rite of Spring" conducted by Pierre Boulez (born 1925). Boulez recorded "Petrouchka" in 1971 with the New York Philharmonic for Columbia (released on CBS and Sony CDs) and did it beautifully, but this one with the Cleveland Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophon is every bit as fine, and in better digital sound. Boulez recorded both ballets on this disc in March 1991 and the sound, though a bit bass shy in parts of "the Rite of Spring", is excellent.



Boulez's earlier "Rite," also with the Cleveland Orchestra, was recorded in 1969 for Columbia, later released by CBS as discmate to his New York Philharmonic "Petrouchka." While some listeners will prefer one recording over another, I like both recordings. This newer Cleveland recording strikes me as more subtle in spots than the 1969, and some may prefer that; others will prefer 1969, which is a little earthier and more literal.



Whichever disc you choose: this 1991 DG or the earlier Sony, you can't go wrong. Boulez is a great Stravinsky conductor, and I feel blessed to be able to listen to him."

Excellent Rite Of Spring!!

G. Rogers Jr. | H.B.,CA | 11/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If your looking for a low-cost Rite this one is hard to beat...great sonics & excellent dynamics from every angle - nothing over the top(which is easy to do with this piece). Still it has the savagery needed. 5 STARS!!"