Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra
The centenary of Igor Stravinsky's Le Sacre du printemps was widely celebrated in 2013, and since then recordings have increased dramatically, suggesting that this groundbreaking ballet has lost none of its power to intrigue and enthrall. Alpha's 2017 recording of a concert by Krzysztof Urbanski and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester offers a vivid performance that is astonishing for its fine details and wonderful sonorities, which make it a recording that serious Stravinsky fans should experience. In terms of tempos, ...
Read More
The centenary of Igor Stravinsky's Le Sacre du printemps was widely celebrated in 2013, and since then recordings have increased dramatically, suggesting that this groundbreaking ballet has lost none of its power to intrigue and enthrall. Alpha's 2017 recording of a concert by Krzysztof Urbanski and the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester offers a vivid performance that is astonishing for its fine details and wonderful sonorities, which make it a recording that serious Stravinsky fans should experience. In terms of tempos, dynamics, and pacing, Urbanski's interpretation is mainstream and fairly predictable, though his attention to the myriad instrumental combinations, subtle inner parts, and colorful effects makes this performance stand out. Listeners who know Le Sacre du printemps well may anticipate every rhythm and accent, but they will be surprised to hear something new in virtually every measure. Urbanski is alert to the varieties of tones and timbres at his disposal, and the orchestra plays at many...
Read Less