Your favourite Rite of Spring

[Chris Newman]

Amongst my collection of Rites is one by Sir Charles Mackerras which is extremely vivid but just occasionally gets so quiet that you need to turn the volume up only to be in risk of an ASBO a few seconds later.

[Barbirollians]

A live CBSO/Rattle performance in the 1980s at Sheffield City Hall has never been touched in my experience - either on record or in concert . Utterly thrilling .

[Threni]

On the front of hearing it live.

10 live concert performances

2 ballet performances

3 rehearsals

[cavatina]

T: I lived in Los Angeles in the 90s and early 2000s...I can't even remember how many times I heard Salonen's Rite. "Multiple performances every time it was programmed, front row as often as possible" pretty much covers it.

When I heard him do it with the Philharmonia in London, I must say I think his interpretation is getting better and better; he seems to bring the work more focus and intensity than ever. But then, perhaps I'm just hearing it with older ears.

[Dave2002]

I'm excited. Tonight, for the first time in my life I'm actually going to see it.

I also have about 20 recordings. I suppose my faves are Markevitch (mono), Solti and Dorati (both Decca stereo)

Is that the ROH ballet version? It's amazing - even though it may be conducted by Barry Wordsworth! I found the other two ballets with which it's paired relatively tedious. Curious to know about the organ though in the Poulenc based piece - is that a live performance?

Someone did come on to the stage who might just have been the organist - but it didn't really look like Thomas Trotter. However others have suggested that the organ part is recorded, and the orchestra just has to fit around it. Does anyone know for sure?

[rubbernecker]

Is that the ROH ballet version? It's amazing - even though it may be conducted by Barry Wordsworth! I found the other two ballets with which it's paired relatively tedious. Curious to know about the organ though in the Poulenc based piece - is that a live performance?

Someone did come on to the stage who might just have been the organist - but it didn't really look like Thomas Trotter. However others have suggested that the organ part is recorded, and the orchestra just has to fit around it. Does anyone know for sure?

ROH, yes, and I'm now at the very pinnacle of excitement. Thanks for the heads up on the other two. I'll see if I can spot any stray organs tonight

[pastoralguy]

After all those rave reviews of the Muti and it being only £4.20 on the EMI Encore label I shall investigate it .

I'm so glad so many others endorse the Muti recording. I LOVE it! Yes, it's a bit OTT but it's so vivid.

I've got the original EMI pressing and it's re-release on EMI's 'cheepie' label. Sounds just as good on both.

[BBMmk2]

On R3, Monday, I thought the perfor4mance of the RPO/Dutoit, was one of the best liveperformances I have heard in a while. That performance at last years Proms beggars belief!

[rubbernecker]

Curious to know about the organ though in the Poulenc based piece - is that a live performance?
Someone did come on to the stage who might just have been the organist - but it didn't really look like Thomas Trotter. However others have suggested that the organ part is recorded, and the orchestra just has to fit around it. Does anyone know for sure?

Indeed it was Thomas Trotter, credited in the programme, and playing an electronic organ in the pit. I thought it made for a rather good ballet.

The Rite was tremendous, with every pulse, twitch and climax of the score mirrored by Macmillan's choreography. My only slight disappointment was the lack of impending menace towards the end, with the (male) Chosen One's protracted and ecstatic solo dancing made him appear too willing to meet his doom.

[Threni]

On R3, Monday, I thought the perfor4mance of the RPO/Dutoit, was one of the best liveperformances I have heard in a while. That performance at last years Proms beggars belief!

Yes it was excellent. I thought the Sacrificial dance started to loose it ever so slightly but nothing major. Overall I would have given it 9/10

[MrGongGong]

Indeed it was Thomas Trotter, credited in the programme, and playing an electronic organ in the pit. I thought it made for a rather good ballet.

The Rite was tremendous, with every pulse, twitch and climax of the score mirrored by Macmillan's choreography. My only slight disappointment was the lack of impending menace towards the end, with the (male) Chosen One's protracted and ecstatic solo dancing made him appear too willing to meet his doom.

I thought it was more than a little amusing to see Thomas on stage at the end as it's only when you have a "normal" person walking that you realise how controlled and beautiful the dancers movements are ! (Sorry Thomas i'll buy you a beer if you read this ! and for hackneyvi He is from Heswall ! )

[Barbirollians]

Finally got round to listening to this EMI Encore release this afternoon and before we have even arrived at the Rite this must be one of the very finest of all recordings of Pictures at an Exhibition - the string and brass playing in particular is breathtaking.

I enjoyed the Rite but it was a bit over the top for me .