Your favourite Rite of Spring [Archive]

Chris Newman

24-05-11, 20:31

MrGongGong

24-05-11, 20:52

I have a version that is titled the Right of spring
will dig it out
its a version that Simon would love !
as opposed to the liberal left of spring

barber olly

24-05-11, 22:01

"Rie of Spring"? Ah the dance in Carmina Burana:laugh:

Seriously, though. I agree with the choice of Igor Markevich. I marginally prefer the older mono recording. Both his versions come with the Philharmonia on one disc on Testament. I really ought to listen to Monteux who would have known the work better than anyone.

Markevitch's two versions with the PO, run my favourites Dorati's two versions with the MinSO with the rawness of the earlier mono version just having the edge on the later stereo version, however the latter does have the advantage of being available on a great Mercury CD, coupled with a very lively Petrouchka. I must also revisited both the PCO and BSO recorings with Monteux.

Serial_Apologist

24-05-11, 22:43

Having effectively grown up with the Monteux/Paris Conservatoire recording of around 1958 I still go back to this version as my favourite, tinny though it sounds on today's superior equipment, ahem. Nevertheless, the finest live performance I have yet experienced was the one given by Boulez - with which orchestra I now forget - in the RFH, back somewhere around 1966. The sheer drama was overwhelming, particularly the build-up just before the halfway "break" when the entire orchestra resembled a tempest at sea; Boulez stopped at that point to mop his brow! More recent recordings I have heard conducted by Boulez have come nowhere as close, for me, that is.

S-A

Petrushka

24-05-11, 23:09

A controversial view, I suppose, but imo we still await the ideal Rite. I saw Markevich conduct it at the RFH in a leaden performance in (I think) 1979 with the LSO and never felt inclined to investigate the Testament CD. OK he was near the end of his life so I may seek out this one after all as many speak well of it.

I have literally dozens of versions on my heaving shelves but none of them truly hit the spot. Many have under-recorded percussion or just lack bite. What I want is one that really does send the wild echoes flying. One I do like (I was there) is a 1993 Europa Konzert outing with the BPO inder Haitink on DVD.

Bryn

24-05-11, 23:24

Monteux, Ancerl, Dorati, Markevich et al are all very fine, for sure, (not Boulez though, he always messes around with Stravinsky's specific tempo adjustments too much for my liking). My favourite, however, remains Eötvös with the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie.

prokkyshosty

25-05-11, 05:14

Not to most people's taste, I'd imagine, but I have a soft spot for this hard nut:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mussorgsky-Pictures-Exhibiton-Stravinsky-Spring/dp/B00005NPJJ

EMI's Muti/Philadelphia from somewhere around 1979. The ADD recording is so over the top, so brutal, so manipulated... if it were anything other than the Rite of Spring, it would be sacrilege. Instead, because it's the Rite of Spring it's... sacrilicious. (ok, I stole that word from Homer Simpson)

It's one of my handful of "demonstration discs".

rauschwerk

25-05-11, 08:27

EMI's Muti/Philadelphia from somewhere around 1979.

That gets my vote too - easily my favourite of the six versions I possess (others are Abbado, Karajan's 2nd, NYO/Rattle, Stravinsky 1960, Neeme Jarvi), most of which were acquired as fill-ups to recordings I really wanted.

mathias broucek

25-05-11, 11:37

The Muti is also on Brilliant with Petrushka, Firebird (1919) and Pulcinella (the latter with Marriner, not Muti).

Brassbandmaestro

25-05-11, 15:26

I like Lenny Bernstein's with the NYPO, and Pierre Boulez, plus the composer's own.

rauschwerk

25-05-11, 16:06

I now find the composer's own 1960 recording just too tame for words. It was the one from which I learnt the piece, but after hearing Colin Davis conduct it I began to realise just how it ought to go.

Thomas Roth

25-05-11, 18:44

Muti.

Mandryka

25-05-11, 21:52

Markevitch, stereo - though I've not heard it for many years and only have it on vinyl.

Mr Pee

25-05-11, 22:44

MrGongGong

25-05-11, 22:53

The Muti recording is very good, no doubt about it- but I'm really looking forward to the forthcoming CD from Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra- sounds like the perfect combination for The Rite. :ok:

come on mr P surely you realise it's not really "MUSIC" is it ?
all that dissonance must be far too upsetting

Petrushka

25-05-11, 22:58

The Muti recording is very good, no doubt about it- but I'm really looking forward to the forthcoming CD from Ivan Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra- sounds like the perfect combination for The Rite. :ok:

They did this at the Proms a few years ago. Will look out for the recording as I agree with Mr Pee.

Chris Newman

25-05-11, 23:13

I have already expressed my preference for Igor Markevitch with the Philharmonia as my greatest recording. In the concert hall I have been much impressed by Pierre Boulez, Colin Davis, Andre Previn, Michael Tilson Thomas and Igor Stravinsky himself at Croydon (though he took a low key approach concentrating on beauty and detail rather like on his CBS version). However, the greatest and most electric live performance of my experience was the LSO under Raphael Fruhbeck de Burgos at a Prom which he took over at short notice and conducted without a score. Not long after he and the orchestra recorded it with Petrushka. I never bought it as it escaped under my radar but I see it has just come out on the budget Alto label: is it anywhere as good as that Prom in the late 60s/early 70s?

MrGongGong

25-05-11, 23:25

my favourite was the Mariinsky with the almost motionless Gergiev at the Southbank a few years ago
what struck me was the completely different balance between the strings and the wind
the clarity and differentiation between things like the Wagner Tuba and horn parts
so that the colours seemed much more vivid, also the tempi were quite different to what we have become accustomed to
the bassoon at the start sounded precarious rather than like a grade 5 study which so often happens these days
and there was a real brutality to the string playing

i'm off to see the ROH version at the weekend
will be interesting to see how that sounds

Stanfordian

26-05-11, 00:14

I have many versions of The Rite of String and I strongly favour the wonderful version played by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle. It can be found in its entirety on the soundtrack to the 2009 Jan Kounen film 'Coco & Igor' (Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky). It was recorded live at the Philharmonie, Berlin in 2003 on the CD NAÏVE V 5223. I have been searching for the 'best' version for years and I believe Rattle's live performance (part of which is used in Kounen’s really enjoyable film) has proved to be the most satisfying. Excitement guaranteed and beautifully played and recorded. It has raw visceral quality and times an savage beauty.

Brassbandmaestro

26-05-11, 18:25

Sounds like I will have to change my cds! (or add!)

ostuni

26-05-11, 20:05

I listened to 2 recordings on Spotify this afternoon. The first, Muti, as recommended by Prokkyshosty in #8 above: yes, wonderfully vivid, often over-the-top recording, and forceful performance. I love those really slow, before-the-beat timp grace notes in Rondes Printanières. The second, Gergiev, after reading the reviews quoted on Prestoclassical. Intriguing: also very forceful, in a rather more wilful way. Not the only one to own, but certainly a must-hear if you know and love the piece. A unique way with the final 2 chords! Anyway, the river people had secondhand copies going cheap, so that's more room to find on the shelves...

Petrushka

26-05-11, 22:24

Has anyone else got the James Levine recording with the Met Orchestra? I know I like to hear the percussion in the Rite but the bass drum here will punch holes in your walls. Definitely a bit over the top but good to hear once in a while.

I've got the Muti on LP but for some reason never on CD. I remember it well and will rectify the omission.

Alf-Prufrock

27-05-11, 01:28

I found I had the Muti version but had never heard it because I had bought the CD for the coupling, suites from Firebird and Petrushka conducted by Stokowski. I gave the Muti a spin and it is all that people here say it is - incredibly exciting and vivid with prominent percussion making it more savage than I'd heard it before, despite the virtuoso playing of the Philadelphia. Thanks for making me explore my own collection!

prokkyshosty

27-05-11, 04:23

with prominent percussion making it more savage than I'd heard it before, despite the virtuoso playing of the Philadelphia.

Well spotted Alf, as the recording displays few of the qualities one typically associates with the "Philadelphia Sound". Which got me thinking... why isn't there a Chicago SO/Solti version out there that's on the tips of everyone's tongues? Seems like it would be a perfect match of conductor and repetoire? Does anyone have this particular CD?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stravinsky-Sacre-du-Printemps-Igor/dp/B0000DBJC9

At £25, with nothing else on it but the 35 minutes of Rite, that recording better pack a wallop!

Petrushka

27-05-11, 16:17

Well spotted Alf, as the recording displays few of the qualities one typically associates with the "Philadelphia Sound". Which got me thinking... why isn't there a Chicago SO/Solti version out there that's on the tips of everyone's tongues? Seems like it would be a perfect match of conductor and repetoire? Does anyone have this particular CD?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stravinsky-Sacre-du-Printemps-Igor/dp/B0000DBJC9

At £25, with nothing else on it but the 35 minutes of Rite, that recording better pack a wallop!

The Chicago/Solti Rite of Spring was my introduction to the work back in 1975 and I played the LP to death. It has some close miking and doesn't nowadays pack as much of a punch as it did 36 years ago. Still good though. By the way, no need to pay £25 if you want this, it's somewhat cheaper further down the page.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ravel-Stravinsky-Printemps-Debussy-Prelude/dp/B00000E3BA/ref=sr_1_6?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1306509019&sr=1-6

Eine Alpensinfonie

27-05-11, 19:43

Maazel's VPO version is surprisingly good, when one considers that the orchestra is not normally associated with this music (and may well have learnt it for this recording). Apart from a rather limp ending, this is a particularly vibrant performance.

Barbirollians

27-05-11, 22:58

After all those rave reviews of the Muti and it being only £4.20 on the EMI Encore label I shall investigate it .

Threni

08-06-11, 12:01

Well my favourite piece of course!

I own 26 recordings of it! (At the last count!) not uncluding recordings off radio 3. There must be about 10 of those!

My favourite CD of the Rite is probably Gergiev's theatrical style Rite. Obviously not as Stravinsky intended but it's very exciting.

Probably in second place is Salonen's with the LAPhil. I think this the "real" Rite as it doesn't have any Gergiev pyrotechnics!

However... my favourite overall has to be the Radio 3 airing of Salonen's concert with the Philharmonia a few months ago. That was outstanding and the best I've ever heard. I have three recordings of Salonen conducting it on CD but his live Rite was amazing. I have booked to see him at the EIF to see if it moves me the same as on the radio :-)

rubbernecker

08-06-11, 12:07

I'm excited. Tonight, for the first time in my life I'm actually going to see it.

I also have about 20 recordings. I suppose my faves are Markevitch (mono), Solti and Dorati (both Decca stereo)

Chris Newman

08-06-11, 13:15

Amongst my collection of Rites is one by Sir Charles Mackerras which is extremely vivid but just occasionally gets so quiet that you need to turn the volume up only to be in risk of an ASBO a few seconds later.

Barbirollians

08-06-11, 13:58

A live CBSO/Rattle performance in the 1980s at Sheffield City Hall has never been touched in my experience - either on record or in concert . Utterly thrilling .

Threni

08-06-11, 15:20

On the front of hearing it live.

10 live concert performances

2 ballet performances

3 rehearsals

cavatina

08-06-11, 15:53

T: I lived in Los Angeles in the 90s and early 2000s...I can't even remember how many times I heard Salonen's Rite. "Multiple performances every time it was programmed, front row as often as possible" pretty much covers it. :biggrin:

When I heard him do it with the Philharmonia in London, I must say I think his interpretation is getting better and better; he seems to bring the work more focus and intensity than ever. But then, perhaps I'm just hearing it with older ears.

Dave2002

08-06-11, 16:02

I'm excited. Tonight, for the first time in my life I'm actually going to see it.

I also have about 20 recordings. I suppose my faves are Markevitch (mono), Solti and Dorati (both Decca stereo)

Is that the ROH ballet version? It's amazing - even though it may be conducted by Barry Wordsworth! I found the other two ballets with which it's paired relatively tedious. Curious to know about the organ though in the Poulenc based piece - is that a live performance?

Someone did come on to the stage who might just have been the organist - but it didn't really look like Thomas Trotter. However others have suggested that the organ part is recorded, and the orchestra just has to fit around it. Does anyone know for sure?

rubbernecker

08-06-11, 16:09

Is that the ROH ballet version? It's amazing - even though it may be conducted by Barry Wordsworth! I found the other two ballets with which it's paired relatively tedious. Curious to know about the organ though in the Poulenc based piece - is that a live performance?

Someone did come on to the stage who might just have been the organist - but it didn't really look like Thomas Trotter. However others have suggested that the organ part is recorded, and the orchestra just has to fit around it. Does anyone know for sure?

ROH, yes, and I'm now at the very pinnacle of excitement. Thanks for the heads up on the other two. I'll see if I can spot any stray organs tonight :biggrin:

pastoralguy

08-06-11, 23:35

After all those rave reviews of the Muti and it being only £4.20 on the EMI Encore label I shall investigate it .

I'm so glad so many others endorse the Muti recording. I LOVE it! Yes, it's a bit OTT but it's so vivid.

I've got the original EMI pressing and it's re-release on EMI's 'cheepie' label. Sounds just as good on both.

Brassbandmaestro

09-06-11, 06:19

On R3, Monday, I thought the perfor4mance of the RPO/Dutoit, was one of the best liveperformances I have heard in a while. That performance at last years Proms beggars belief!

rubbernecker

09-06-11, 07:36

Curious to know about the organ though in the Poulenc based piece - is that a live performance?
Someone did come on to the stage who might just have been the organist - but it didn't really look like Thomas Trotter. However others have suggested that the organ part is recorded, and the orchestra just has to fit around it. Does anyone know for sure?
Indeed it was Thomas Trotter, credited in the programme, and playing an electronic organ in the pit. I thought it made for a rather good ballet.

The Rite was tremendous, with every pulse, twitch and climax of the score mirrored by Macmillan's choreography. My only slight disappointment was the lack of impending menace towards the end, with the (male) Chosen One's protracted and ecstatic solo dancing made him appear too willing to meet his doom.

Threni

09-06-11, 10:29

On R3, Monday, I thought the perfor4mance of the RPO/Dutoit, was one of the best liveperformances I have heard in a while. That performance at last years Proms beggars belief!

Yes it was excellent. I thought the Sacrificial dance started to loose it ever so slightly but nothing major. Overall I would have given it 9/10

MrGongGong

09-06-11, 11:01

Indeed it was Thomas Trotter, credited in the programme, and playing an electronic organ in the pit. I thought it made for a rather good ballet.

The Rite was tremendous, with every pulse, twitch and climax of the score mirrored by Macmillan's choreography. My only slight disappointment was the lack of impending menace towards the end, with the (male) Chosen One's protracted and ecstatic solo dancing made him appear too willing to meet his doom.

I thought it was more than a little amusing to see Thomas on stage at the end as it's only when you have a "normal" person walking that you realise how controlled and beautiful the dancers movements are ! (Sorry Thomas i'll buy you a beer if you read this ! :biggrin: and for hackneyvi He is from Heswall ! )

Barbirollians

04-07-11, 14:18

Finally got round to listening to this EMI Encore release this afternoon and before we have even arrived at the Rite this must be one of the very finest of all recordings of Pictures at an Exhibition - the string and brass playing in particular is breathtaking.

I enjoyed the Rite but it was a bit over the top for me .