These two ballets represent the opposite extremes of Stravinsky's creative personality. On the one hand, there's The Rite of Spring, the ultimate expression of musical primitivism (so much so that it served as "dinosaur"... more » music in Disney's Fantasia). On the other hand, there's Pulcinella, and elegant neo-classical confection based on the music of Italian Baroque masters, Pergolesi in particular. Even if they have little else in common, both pieces require pinpoint rhythmic accuracy, and they are smartly performed here. But beyond the high general standard of performance, The Rite of Spring demands superior recording quality; it's one of those audio demo pieces, and in that regard Telarc has really stepped up to the plate. So go ahead; blow up your speakers! --David Hurwitz« less
These two ballets represent the opposite extremes of Stravinsky's creative personality. On the one hand, there's The Rite of Spring, the ultimate expression of musical primitivism (so much so that it served as "dinosaur" music in Disney's Fantasia). On the other hand, there's Pulcinella, and elegant neo-classical confection based on the music of Italian Baroque masters, Pergolesi in particular. Even if they have little else in common, both pieces require pinpoint rhythmic accuracy, and they are smartly performed here. But beyond the high general standard of performance, The Rite of Spring demands superior recording quality; it's one of those audio demo pieces, and in that regard Telarc has really stepped up to the plate. So go ahead; blow up your speakers! --David Hurwitz
A very exciting performance! It will blow you away!
Greta Brannan | 08/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am very pleased that I bought this recording. "The Rite of Spring" is played without flaw. Yoel Levi captures the true nature of this piece, which is an explosive orchestral work that has a primitive base to it. The strings and the trumpets are excellent, and the percussion pounds away like no other recording made. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra makes this piece exactly what it should be! Following "The Rite of Spring" is a suite from Pulcinella that is a direct contrast to the previous work, but very pleasing to the ears. A must buy for Stravinsky fans!"
Absolutely Fantastic Performance
Greta Brannan | Southeast TX, USA | 02/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I will always remember my first introduction to The Rite of Spring. I had just gotten a CD player and my first CD was a Telarc Collection Vol. 6 that I had found in the bargain bin. I raced home to give it a listen and was blown away when I heard the excerpts from this recording!
Yes, I will echo, it is fantastic. Atlanta's playing is impeccable here and Yoel Levi makes this Rite reach out and grab you. The orchestral balance is great and they achieve a very large dynamic range, powerful but comfortable and unforced even on the difficult passages - most impressive.
The Pulcinella Suite is given a lovely, engaging performance and sounds simply magnificent. The sound is absolutely superb on this disc, as one would expect from Telarc, stunningly clear. Turn up "The Glorification of the Chosen One" and I guarantee you'll have the neighbors knocking at your door... My highest recommendation - this recording deserves MUCH more attention."
Excellent!
Patrik Lemberg | Tammisaari Finland | 01/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The reason I bought this disc was that I had heard this version of Pulcinella Suite earlier, and absolutely loved it. It is so well conducted, performed, and with spectacular sound quality. Listening to this disc in professional head phones is indescribable - the sound is so rich.
I was skeptical toward this version of the Rite of Spring, as I'd heard very well conducted versions of the piece already, but to my surprise it was better than any other version I had heard. Before listening to it I had said I found the Stravinsky conducted (Columbia SO) recording from 1960 to be an 8/10 performance and the Karel Ancerl conducted (Czech PhO) recording from 1962 to be 9/10, but I was still waiting for a 10/10 ten version. THIS IS IT! This is beyond 10/10. This is now the disc I will recommend to anyone who looks for a perfect RoS and/or Pulcinella suite.
Presented here is the perfect way for Stravinsky's music to be heard."
Accurately savage, but...
Eric S. Kim | Southern California | 01/25/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recording of Stravinsky's groundbreaking "Le Sacre du Printemps" is definitely not a failure. Yoel Levi conducts with as much intensiy as Esa-Pekka Salonen, and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra gets into the chaotic pressure very well. The percussion never fail to blow the ears away, while the woodwinds in the "somewhat" lyrical sections never play a single wrong note.
Now, I might have given this performance five stars, but one star is missing for one reason. Levi chooses the 1947 revised version, not to say that it's bad. I've heard other orchestras play the 1947 as well, and they are just as good as the original 1913. But Atlanta sounds a bit like a chamber ensemble. During the wildest movements, the entire orchestra doesn't sound very large, and the dynamic changes don't have the same impact as did the Salonen and Haitink recordings. Still, the power of the Rite is never ruined with a relaxed approach, and the "Sacrificial Dance" delivers quite a punch, especially with its urgent tempi.
And let's not forget the "Pulcinella Suite." Levi has the right amount of passion for this work. It's a good one, I tell ya.
A-"
One of the best recordings of Stravinsky's Le Sacre du Print
the Maestro | Abilene, TX USA | 03/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I am suprised that this recording has not been honored by the Stevenson Guide, Penguin Guide, Gramaphone, or won a grammy award. This is definitely one of the best recordings of Le Sacre du Printemps on the market today and has been for quite some time. This recording is just as good as Stravinsky's recording, Haitink's recording, Michael Tilson Thomas' recording, and Skrowaczewski's recording of the Rite. In fact, I highly reccomend any of the recordings I have listed as well as the one I am reviewing here. These recordings surpass Boulez's recordings, Ozawa's recording, Sir Colin Davis' recording, etc. The only criticism I have of this recording is that the Sacrificial Dance is taken a little too fast for my taste. But overall it is a highly musical performance and excellent recording quality. TWO THUMBS UP TO LEVI, TELARC, and the ATLANTA SYMPHONY."
Track Listings (22) - Disc #1
