COMPOSERS: Stravinsky
LABELS: DG Classikon
WORKS: Pulcinella; The Rite of Spring
PERFORMER: LSO/Claudio Abbado
CATALOGUE NO: DG Classikon 439 433-2 ADD (1979/76)
Chalk and cheese from Stravinsky in the second decade of the century. Amid a surfeit of Rites, Abbado pays particular attention to timbral detail that includes a persuasive roughness when required. Even the sometimes eccentric Seventies-style close balance and spotlighting add valid vigour. Surprisingly, perhaps, there are several complete Pulcinellas around; Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle SO (on Delos) even offer the same coupling. But again Abbado provides an infectious enthusiasm and clarity hard to beat. Keith Potter
Stravinsky: Pulcinella; The Rite of Spring
Chalk and cheese from Stravinsky in the second decade of the century. Amid a surfeit of Rites, Abbado pays particular attention to timbral detail that includes a persuasive roughness when required. Even the sometimes eccentric Seventies-style close balance and spotlighting add valid vigour. Surprisingly, perhaps, there are several complete Pulcinellas around; Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle SO (on Delos) even offer the same coupling. But again Abbado provides an infectious enthusiasm and clarity hard to beat. Keith Potter
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm