Simon Rattle - Stravinsky: Firebird - Import CD

Credits:

Simon Rattle

Description:

[Rattle’s Third Complete Recording of “The Firebird.” The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra’s polished performance and Rattle’s commentary are not to be missed!] Since taking up the post of chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rattle has continued to release recordings of his signature works. Stravinsky is one of his signature composers, and when it comes to *The Firebird*, he is particularly committed to recording the complete work rather than the suite version. He has previously recorded it with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (1987) and the London Philharmonic Orchestra (2017), and there was a 2005 live performance with the Berlin Philharmonic. It seems Rattle’s interpretation was largely established at the time of his first recording, and while there are no major changes, a close listen reveals that his characterization and expression of each individual movement have become even more refined. This seems to reflect Rattle’s skill in fully drawing out the orchestra’s ensemble capabilities, the technical prowess of the soloists, and their individual timbres. The skill of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and its principal players goes without saying, but what deserves special attention on this album is the crystal-clear recording achieved at the Isar Philharmonie—a venue renowned for its acoustics—thanks to a recording process that spanned six days, including rehearsals. Although the Isar Philharmonie was originally built as a temporary venue while the Gasteig was undergoing renovations, thanks to the acoustic design by Mr. Toyota of Nagata Acoustics, the sound is well-balanced even during performances by a large orchestra; the sound remains clear even at high volumes, and no details are lost. The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra’s lustrous tone is captured here as well. The solos heard at key moments—particularly the virtuosity of the wind section—are magnificent, and the vivid color and sheer power of the percussion’s forceful strikes and the orchestra’s full-scale climaxes are truly breathtaking. This CD also includes the audio from the “Firebird” episode of “Discover Music with Simon Rattle,” one of Bavarian Radio’s online video series (not yet available as of late August). In the video, Rattle speaks in simple English about the composer and the work, as well as key points regarding the orchestra’s sound-shaping process, interspersed with rehearsal footage. Regarding the full-length version, he remarks, “The reason I love this version so much is that it seems ten times more colorful than the later, more practical version (i.e., the suite version).” “It’s certainly much more difficult. The orchestra has performed this piece countless times with Mariss Jansons, and they’ve always given wonderful performances. However, he specialized in the suite version and, for some reason, had no interest in the full-length ballet version. “Because of that, this time we all had to temporarily set aside everything we’d played before,” he said passionately. When mentioning the horn solo, he remarked, “I think we’ve performed *The Firebird* 15 times this season, and Carsten (the horn player) has brought me to tears 15 times.” “What he does in those final two measures is something that can’t be taught. That change in timbre. It’s a breathtaking horn performance,” he praised. It’s a fascinating and heartwarming account that offers insight into the essence of Rattle’s interpretation and his relationship with the orchestra. The booklet does not include a transcript. Naxos Japan