Search - Stravinsky, Pons, Orquesta Ciudad de Granada :: Igor Stravinsky: L'Oiseau de Feu (The Firebird) / Jeu de Cartes - Orquesta Ciudad de Granada / Josep Pons

Unexpected Delight

03/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This disk is an Unexpected Delight. Josep Pons and his players manage a very subtle and sophisticated account of two of Stravinsky's ballets. Tempos are on the moderate side, but the balance and ensemble is tight and precise. A look at the roster reveals an orchestra of sixty some players who perform together like chamber musicians. But they can play with a full tone and at an exciting clip when it is necessary as in the Infernal Dance. The coupling is ideal. Jeu de Cartes is one of Stravinsky's neo-classical works that offers the listener a contrast of Stravinsky's various styles. Both pieces are played with vim and vigor yet with a lightness of touch, proving that a moderate sized orchestra can do these works full justice."