Search - Igor Stravinsky, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra :: Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures

Charming Stravinsky

D. B. Rathbun | Washington, DC United States | 08/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recent release is an outstanding contribution to the Stravinsky discography, and everything on this disc is Stravinsky at his most charming. First, I think this is now the best available recording of the Octet, by far. It's also probably the ONLY available recording of any quality of the jazz praeludium, the bassoon duet, and the fanfare for a new theatre. It is also the best available recording of the suites, the tango, and the ragtime. Years ago I acquired a recording of the concerto in d done by the Moscow Virtuosi under Spivakov, and although that performance is perhaps a little tighter, this new recording is a lot cleaner and better recorded. I also compare the three pieces for quartet with my recording of the Alban Berg Quartet's rendition, and I think Orpheus's foursome does a more characteristic job. The scherzo a la russe also sounds great.This is a great collection of hard-to-find Stravinsky, definitively played and superbly recorded. I think it is essential for any Stravinsky afficionado to hear it. As for those who don't know much stravinsky, I cannot think of a better introduction to his music. This is some of his most accessible, and in my opinion some of the pieces on this disc are among his best works. Additionally, the disc offers works that represent every period and style of Stravinsky's artistic life, and as such provide an excellent picture of Stravinsky's entire output. Granted, these works aren't the Rite of Spring, the Symphony of Psalms, Petroushka, or the Requiem Canticles, but I would hate to think that someone would be turned off of a composer as wonderful as Stravinsky on first hearing a work as massive and powerful as the Rite, whereas they may bring a greater understanding and appreciation of the "big" works having first heard some of Stravinsky's more accessible albeit just as good works.In sum, this is a Stravinsky disc that would be great for anyone. I am very happy to have found it."

Kissing the joy as it flies

Daniel R. Greenfield | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | 08/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is a rare delight. You cannot listen to this album without feeling this incredible 'joie de vivre' that infuses it. Orpheus has taken Stravinsky's chamber music into a whole new and ethereal realm. The ensemble's enthusiasm is downright contagious. There is nothing to criticise; it is all sweet bliss! If you've ever doubted Stravinsky's genius, this recording will dispel those doubts forever. This will easily become one of the best-loved recordings of any classical music collection. Don't miss it!"

Stravinsky conquers all...

corcan | LA, CA, USA | 02/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD won a Grammy for Best Small Ensemble Performance at the 2001 Grammy awards. If for whatever reason you can't sit through Stravinsky's longer compositions, but you want to hear what he has to say, you will find this album to your liking. Most songs are under 3 minutes long; short and sweet.



This album is a compilation of short Stravinsky songs composed over a 6 decade period. If you want a snapshot of the different points in his musical career, purchase this album. However, I highly recommend you do not stop here and buy more of his music. You'll always be addicted to at least one of these songs; that will keep you coming back (I've been listening every day since I purchased back on 1 Oct. 2005).



Further, it's the little quirks that heighten the beauty of each piece. For instance, in "Tema" (Track 15) the music gradually declines into a beautiful 10 second flute solo, just before the horns begin the intro to the next track; a very nice contrast to the tone of the song.



Another example is "Arioso," (Track 11). This is one song which is somewhat outside Stravinsky's "norm". It does not contain melodies like you heard in "Rite of Spring" or "Petrushka" (both of which are fantasic). It's a soft, slightly soppy, string piece. It could easily placate the two or three individuals alive today who consider Stravinsky harsh. Hearing it on the radio, you could mistake it for a piece by Schubert.



This music will stay in the back of your head and leap into your mind at the most peculiar moments. You'll find yourself humming a few bars in the shower months after you've heard one song, or perhaps one night Stravinsky will provide the background score in a dream (or nightmare?). What is certain: you need time to digest these songs; Stravinsky is a very clever composer and we men of "the herd" sometimes don't understand what his music says at the first go. When your mind opens and you REALLY hear Stravinsky, the power of it all may bring tears to your eyes. Stravinsky does that.



One extra note: Shortly after buying this album, I became inspired to learn the trumpet & horn; I only later learned that Stravinsky had a special love of wind instruments and he expresses this love in his pieces. That Stravinsky can inspire a layman like myself proves his genius. In the words of William Ward: "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."



This CD will satisfy all tastes, and leave you craving more."