Stravinsky: Firebird; Apollo; Petrushka; The Rite of Spring

Haitink’s performances are scrupulously detailed and expertly recorded, yet they mostly fail to make a real impact. These 1973 recordings of Stravinsky’s three early ballet scores benefit from this conductor’s close association with the LPO at the time, but just don’t have the fire and ice of some less polished readings. Undeniably good value, however; the three early ballets aren’t, anyway, otherwise currently available together outside the Stravinsky complete edition.

Our rating

3

Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm

COMPOSERS: Stravinsky
LABELS: Philips
WORKS: Firebird; Apollo; Petrushka; The Rite of Spring
PERFORMER: LPO/Bernard HaitinkLSO/Igor Markevitch
CATALOGUE NO: 438 350-2 ADD (2 discs) (1964/73/74)

Haitink’s performances are scrupulously detailed and expertly recorded, yet they mostly fail to make a real impact. These 1973 recordings of Stravinsky’s three early ballet scores benefit from this conductor’s close association with the LPO at the time, but just don’t have the fire and ice of some less polished readings. Undeniably good value, however; the three early ballets aren’t, anyway, otherwise currently available together outside the Stravinsky complete edition. Markevitch’s 1963 Apollo with the LPO – here appropriately refined, though split between the two discs – makes this set an even better bargain. Keith Potter

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