Search - Igor Stravinsky, Alexander Rahbari, BRT Philharmonic Orchestra :: Stravinsky: Firebird; The Rite of Spring

Don't be fooled by the other reviews...

Student of Composition | Arizona, USA | 03/18/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I don't know who these other people are who praised this recording so highly. I do know for certain, however, that they have no idea what well-recorded music sounds like. Regrettably, I took their advice and purchased this disc, and it is by far the worst recording of this music to date. I can't even speak for the performance one way or the other because it is entirely lost in the massive reverb. It sounds like it was recorded in an underwater cathedral; I even played this disc on three different stereos to make sure it wasn't the player. Please do not make the same mistake I did -- get a different recording of these masterpieces."

A worthwhile bargain

Anna Dewey | MN, USA | 12/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording on Naxos of two of the most famous suites of Stravinsky ballets is one that is surprisingly first-rate for a bargain CD of an obscure orchestra. The Firebird Suite is played with both skill and beauty by the orchestra. King Katchei's Infernal Dance is the highlight of this suite, played with great fervor and relentlessness. The real gem on the disk however is the Rite of Spring. A daunting piece for any orchestra to tackle the BRT handles it with the utmost expertise. The ensemble has a great cohesive sound throughout and never misses a beat. As a whole, the ensemble performs the Rite of Spring in a way that is satisfying on both the technical level and musical level. This CD is one of those rare bargains that has more value than its price, and is highly recommended for bargain hunters everywhere."

Extremely Loud Performances

Ira Rappaport | Harrisburg, PA United States | 08/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I never heard any Stravinsky performances like this one, and certainly this recording with a little known orchestra and a little known conductor is absolutely the best Stravinsky CD in the world (at least for the firebird suite and the Rite of Spring). Such big sound and this recording does not sound like a budget performance because Alexander Rahbari's Stravinsky Firebird Suite and The rite of Spring is the one to look for. Ozawa's and Bernsteins are excellent too, but not as good as this one. Naxos issues the best Firebird Suite and Rite of Spring ever. I did not purchase this recording, and the reason why I'm reviewing this album is because I've heard highlights from both of these, I have not heard the whole performance. If I had this CD I'd realise that this is no average than other recordings. Rahbari refuses to rush the music and definitely needs a grammy award for best Firebird Suite and Rite of Spring performance in the world."