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The Rite of Spring
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
BBC National Chorus of Wales
Thierry Fischer, conductor
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" ... [Fischer’s] Rite is one of the best I've heard"
International Record Review |
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" ... this live performance from an unexpected source is very, very decent … you should buy this for the generous, unusual coupling with Francis Poulenc’s rowdy, witty 1924 ballet Les biches …. As with the Rite, the performance is immaculate."
The Arts Desk |
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"The whole orchestra vibrates like a tuning fork, the rhythmic snap and incisiveness giving the reading terrific impulse and uplift. Fleet, airy, balletic– these are the watchwords … the fact that both these performances were recorded live is further testament to the thorough preparation and high quality of the work."
Gramophone |
The conclusion to a three part-series of Igor Stravinskyʼs ballets from Sergei Diaghilevʼs Ballet Russes, performed by BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Thierry Fischer. These recordings capture the excitement and vibrancy of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in live performance at their home of BBC Hoddinott Hall, Wales.
Almost no musical work has had such a powerful influence or evoked as much controversy as Stravinsky's ballet score The Rite of Spring. The work's premiere on May 29, 1913, at the Théatre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, was scandalous. In addition to the outrageous costumes, unusual choreography and bizarre story of pagan sacrifice, Stravinsky's musical innovations tested the patience of the audience to the fullest.
This disc also features Francis Poulencʼs ballet Les Biches, premiered at the Ballet Russes in 1924. Originally commissioned by Diaghilev to write a piece based on Glazunovʼs Les Sylphides, Poulenc instead chose to base his piece on the paintings of Watteau that depicted Louis XV and various women in his ʻParc aux bichesʼ
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The Rite of Spring
Stravinsky |
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The Rite of Spring
(Le sacre du printemps) |
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971) |
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Part I – Adoration of the Earth (L’adoration de la terre) |
| 1. |
Introduction |
| 2. |
The Augurs of Spring
(Les Augures printaniers)
Dances of the Young Girls
(Danses des adolescents) |
| 3. |
Ritual of Abduction
(Jeu du rapt) |
| 4. |
Spring Rounds
(Rondes Printanières) |
| 5. |
Ritual of the Rival Tribes
(Jeux des cites rivales) |
| 6. |
Procession of the Sage
(Cortège du sage) |
| 7. |
The Sage
(Le sage) |
| 8. |
Dance of the Earth
(Danse de la terre)
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Part II – The Sacrifice (Le sacfrifice) |
| 9. |
Introduction |
| 10. |
Mystic Circles of the Young Girls
(Cercles mystérieux des adolescentes) |
| 11. |
Glorification of the Chosen One
(Glorification de l’élue) |
| 12. |
Evocation of the Ancestors
(Evocation des ancêtres) |
| 13. |
Ritual Action of the Ancestors
(Action rituelle des ancêtres) |
| 14. |
Sacrificial Dance: The Chosen One
(Danse sacrale: L’élue) |
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Les Biches |
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) |
| 15. |
I. Ouverture |
| 16. |
II. Rondeau |
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III. Chanson dansée |
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IV. Adagietto |
| 19. |
V. Jeu |
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VI. Rag-Mazurka |
| 21. |
VII. Andantino |
| 22. |
VIII. Petite chanson dansée |
| 23. |
IX. Final |
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