Search - Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Bernstein, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra :: Bernstein Conducts Stravinsky

Best Recording of the Firebird!

Lisa | USA | 02/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is one of a kind. I'm even repurchasing it because I lost it and am desperate to replace it. The orchestra sounds wonderful and the interpretations are full or energy and pure excitement! I recommend it highly!"

EXCELENTE.

Francisco J. Muñoz | Santa Cruz, Bolivia | 07/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Difícilmente podemos encontrar un par de discos por $us. 17.97, de mejor calidad de la música de Stravinsky que éste de Lenny Bernstein en DGG. Qué versión más extraordinaria de Le sacre, llena de ese salvajismo primitivo de la música de Igor. La interpretación es a un tempo mas lento de lo que normalmente se ejecuta esta obra, pero esto no es defecto alguno dentro de la gran concepción de Bernstein. Pétrouchka esta maravillosamente ejecutada utilizando la partitura revisada de Stravinsky. La Suite del Pájaro de fuego es sencillamente la mejor versión que he escuchado en mi vida. Las otras dos obras menores también encuentran en Bernstein un noble interprete. Fuertemente recomendado."

A testimony to Bernstein's closeness to the Israel Phil.

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/21/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"All these recordings date to one month, April, 1982, except for the Le Sacre, which was done in May. When first released they did not get the greatest reviews. The Israel Phil. enjoyed a close relationship with Bernstien going back to the founding of Israel when he conducted them as the Palestine Sym. They sound proficient on these CDs but rarely more than that. I don't udnerstand the complaint of one reviewer that the sonics are inferior. In the lastest reissue they are quite good and without digital glare.



As to performances, the Petrouchka is inferior; it finds Bernstein rather slack and tired, and the orchestral execution can't come near the finest acocunts. But Le Sacre has its blazing moments and is often conducted superbly. The Firebird Suite, as noted by every other reviewer, is quite fine, showing a great deal of affection and finesse in Bernstein's hands--not a bar sounds routine. The Symphony in Three Movements here can be heavy-footed and coarse, and a bit lacking in rhythmic interest. The Scenes de Ballet strikes me neutrally; it comes close to the "white" dance music of Apollo without being as interesting melodically or rhythmically. Bernstein's reading sounds good to me--it is both delicate and sinuous--but I am not very familair with the work."