Ernest Ansermet - Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pulcinella, The Rite Of Spring (1955-1964) [2022 SACD Vintage Collection]

Stravinsky: Three major ballets and other major works recorded by Orchester de la Suisse Romande and DECCA by Ansermet are compiled into two discs. An excellent recording by DECCA from 1955 to 1964. "Phoenix", recorded in May 1955, is the earliest stereo sound source of DECCA, but it already has a recording quality that greatly exceeds that of other labels at that time, and even when I listen to it now, I understand that it is an epoch-making sound source. I think we can. The songs that follow are also in the same order as they were recorded, so you can enjoy the high-quality DECCA sound that evolves with the changes of the times on a base that was more than enough for those days. A wonderful recording that was also epoch-making in terms of audio has been revived by the latest modern reprint. Anserme's sound source was reprinted early in Japan even in the CD era, but I hope that the market will welcome the latest reprint with this brilliant sound quality as there has been little recurrence in recent years.

Stravinky (1882-1971) and Anserme (1883-1969), who were one year apart, met for the first time in 1912 and became the conductor of the Ballets Russes in 1915 on Stravinsky's strong recommendation. Since then, he has premiered several of his works, and the relationship remained strong for the next 20 years. He recognizes Ansermet as a person who understands him well, and after interpreting the music objectively, he highly evaluates his unique sense of rhythm, sophistication in a series of expressions, and a kind of stylish expression. It seems that Ansermet has been recording Stravinky since DECCA's monaural era, and in this famous stereo recording of "Phoenix," which was the world's first full-length recording, he skillfully expresses the color of that rare piece. I'm here. In addition, when compared with the performance with the New Philharmonia Orchestra, which was the last session recording of Anserme in 1968 (this project has been made into SA-CD in 2018. PROC-2148), it also reflects that era. You will be impressed with each performance as if it were made. There is more dynamism here, and I think you can feel the resonance of the primary colors. "The Rite of Spring" is also a historical recording. Although there are many recordings that are superior in function in modern times, it is difficult to experience this sophisticated expression by Ansermet. With this high-quality sound, you should be able to feel the recording site and spatial expression more. And "Petrushka" is a recording that has a definitive meaning compared to his own monaural recordings, and is a masterpiece that should be evaluated among many Anserme sound sources. The expressive power that allows you to immerse yourself in the song still has first-class value. In addition to these three major ballets, I added two pieces to the margins this time. Ansermet has recorded all of the suite "Pulcinella", but I think he is a performance that makes you feel attached, such as leaving two types. His small piece "Russian Scherzo" also has a touch of Ansermet's sense of style.
*As it is a machine translation, the result may not provide an accurate description.
Please use it only as a reference.


Tracks:

DISC1
01-15. Ballet "The Firebird"
16-26. Suite "Pulcinella"

DISC2
01-14. Ballet "The Rite Of Spring"
15-18. Ballet "Petrushka" (1911 edition)
19. Russian-style Scherzo


Personnel:

Conductor – Ernest Ansermet
Orchestra – L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande