Bartok (1881-1945) - Stravinsky Firebird, Bartok Miraculous Mandarin Suite, Piano Concrto No.3 : Valery Gergiev / London Symphony Orchestra, Yefim Bronfman(P)(2CD) - Import 2 CD

Credits:

Bartok (1881-1945)

Description:

Gergiev Re-records "The Firebird" After 20 Years! Gergiev and the London Symphony Orchestra toured the United States in October 2015. It was the last overseas tour of Gergiev's eight-year tenure as principal conductor, and the performance on the 24th was recorded for broadcast by FM in New York, and the recordings are now available as a 2-CD set. The first highlight is Stravinsky's "The Firebird". Gergiev recorded it with the Kirov Theatre Orchestra (Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra) in 1995 (at the time, it was a Runner-up Special Mention in "Record Art" magazine), and this is the first re-recording in 20 years. This is the same version as the 1910 complete work, and while the tempo and other basic interpretations are the same, the persuasiveness and skill of the narration are amazing. The naturalness of the gradual buildup from the beginning, the traditional Russian roar of the brass, and the free and unrestrained conducting are almost divine. Interestingly, Bartók is the most interesting of the three.Having once received praise for his excellent interpretation of the opera "Bluebeard's Castle" on CD, I was curious to see how he would cook up the bizarre "Mysterious Chinese Official" and the heavenly Piano Concerto No. 3. This exceeded my expectations. Bartók's precise score is perfect for Gergiev, but the LSO's virtuosity also creates a world of surprises. The LSO's virtuosity and the cold transparency of Bartók's orchestration are reproduced with exceptional balance, and of course, the violent energy of Bartók's music is perfectly balanced and fulfilling. In the Piano Concerto No. 3, Bronfman's superb technique is kept to a minimum and a pure, almost religious world is depicted. In response to the audience's enthusiasm, the orchestra played "The Montagues and Capulets" from Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" as an encore. The LSO and Gergiev performed that song made famous by the cell phone commercials. It was also a farewell to the American audience, and Gergiev's performance was deeply moving. King International

Tracklisting:

1.Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz 73, BB 82: I. Introduction - The Curtain Rises
2.Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz 73, BB 82: II. First Decoy Game - The Shabby Old Rake
3.Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz 73, BB 82: III. Second Decoy Game - The Shy Young Man
4.Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz 73, BB 82: IV. Third Decoy Game - The Mandarin
5.Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz 73, BB 82: V. The Girl Slowly Begins to Dance for the
6.Suite from The Miraculous Mandarin, Op. 19, Sz 73, BB 82: VI. The Chase
7.Piano Concerto No. 3 in E Major, Sz 119, BB 127: I. Allegretto
8.Piano Concerto No. 3 in E Major, Sz 119, BB 127: II. Adagio religioso
9.Piano Concerto No. 3 in E Major, Sz 119, BB 127: III. Allegro vivace
10.The Firebird (Complete Ballet): Premier tableau: X. Lever du jour - Ivan Tsarevitch penetre dans le
11.The Firebird (Complete Ballet): Premier tableau: XI. Carillon feerique, apparition des monstres-gard
12.The Firebird (Complete Ballet): Premier tableau: XII. Danse de la suite de Kachtchei enchantee par l
13.The Firebird (Complete Ballet): Premier tableau: XIII. Danse infernale de tous les sujets de Kachtch
14.The Firebird (Complete Ballet): Premier tableau: XIV. Berceuse (L'oiseau de feu) - Reveil de Kachtch
15.The Firebird (Complete Ballet): Second tableau: XV. Disparition du palais et des sortileges de Kacht
16.Suite No. 2 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64ter: 1. Montagues and Capulets