Works of Igor Stravinsky
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Free Music Notes for Works of Igor Stravinsky
Free Music Review: The prime Stravinsky collection
Hit: 5 Stars
Stravinsky conducted by Stravinsky - this super bargain set collects the famous recordings that Stravinsky made of his own works for CBS (now owned by SONY). Even if there are many fine recordings of the core of Stravinsky's works, for instance Ansermet's (Decca) and Ancerl's (Supraphon), the composer's own legacy must be seen as the first choice for any Stravinsky collector - or, indeed, by anyone who wants to have the basic Stravinsky repertoire at home.
This boxed set of 22 CDs contains more Stravinsky music than any other contemporary box, and the price is a complete steal (less than $2.5 for each CD, and even cheaper if you buy it used).
Here are some examples of what you get for your money:
- The early ballets: Firebird, Petroushka, Rite of Spring, Les Noces, Pulcinella, and the later, neo-classical ones (e.g., Agon, Apollon).
- The symphonies (in E and in C and in Three Movements).
- Oedipus Rex and The Rake's Progress.
- Chamber music, such as Ragtime, Septet and Octet.
- Jazz suites, and the piano concerto.
- Songs and choral works, such as the Mass, the Cantata and the Symphony of Psalms.
- Later works, such as Threni.
- And much more... (including the Robert Craft recordings that Stravinsky supervised).
(For a complete listing of the content on each CD, see SONY's German Webpage.)
Sound quality is vintage analogue from the sixties, generally very fine and remastered as well. In addition, the box is of the slim cardboard kind, with each CD in a cardboard sleeve. Booklet is included, but (unfortunately) no texts and translations of libretti.
In short, this is an essential set. Warmly recommended even if you already have individual Stravinsky by Stravinsky recordings - I suggest you use them as presents to friends and relatives. Grab and save this one!
Free Music Review: An amazing set and bargain...
Hit: 5 Stars
Kudos to Sony for reissuing this 22-disc set of the recorded legacy of Stravinsky. Originally retailing for $350, the pricing of this set at under $50 is an absolute steal. The packaging is decidedly economical with no frills - a simple box wherein each cd is housed in a cardboard sleeve. Each sleeve features a photograph of Stravinsky during the recording sessions. Though the set comes with an overview booklet, the major drawback of this reissue is that it does NOT include any program notes or libretti. The original set was replete with detailed and comprehensive annotations, as well as the complete libretti for all of the vocal works. I would gladly have paid more for the inclusion of these vitals. Still, the 'bang for the buck' factor wins all. The pieces are grouped as follows:
BALLETS AND BALLET SUITES
SYMPHONIES, REHEARSALS AND TALKS
CONCERTOS
MINIATURE MASTERPIECES
CHAMBER MUSIC AND HISTORICAL RECORDINGS
OPERAS
35 SONGS
ORATORIO - MELODRAMA
SACRED WORKS
ROBERT CRAFT CONDUCTS UNDER THE SUPERVISI0N OF IGOR STRAVINSKY
The sound quality is admirable, the performances respectable (though the Columbia Symphony can be inconsistant), and with Stravinsky at the helm, these recordings are more than just a definitive historical document. It allows us to rediscover and fully appreciate the entire span of Stravinsky's musical life and genius.
Free Music Review: Thank you Sony.
Hit: 5 Stars
Stravinsky's music changed the world.
This repackaging of the cumbersome multibox set issued previously has been very well done. The performances are unique in that Stravinsky conducts all his major works (Robert Craft conducts 1 CD of smaller works extremely well). The sound is incredibly good throughout considering the hatchet jobs Columbia Records (now Sony) used to bestow on some of their artists in the 1960s. However, that some in that company had the presence of mind to capture these performances for posterity must be thankfully acknowledged.
5 stars for the real thing.