Music For Strings, Percussion and Celesta

[visualnickmos]

Yes please, Caliban - I look forward to that report

Me too.......

[BBMmk2]

Kocsis? Here you go Bbm.

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/Hungaroton/HSACD32510

Has anyone heard the Harnoncourt recording?

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/r/RCA/82876603532

Thanks ams! i should think this be a strong contender from that French programme too?

[Parry1912]

As well as Reiner and Solti, I'm very partial to Karajan (EMI).

[Petrushka]

I have the Reiner and Solti (also a 1951 LPO Solti and Karajan, DG) and I heard Solti perform it with the LPO in 1988. If I remember correctly the percussion was situated at the front centre of the platform with the strings either side. I forget the exact configuration of the strings but think the piano and celesta were also centrally placed. Does Bartok recommend a particular layout or is this up to the conductor? One for Pabmusic or Roehre, perhaps?

The later Solti recording for me but Reiner is very special.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

There is an "Approximate Positioning of the Orchestra" at the start of the pocket score: the two string orchestras mirror each other and surround the percussion players in the centre of the platform. Piano and Harp at the front (with Violins 1 and 3 at either side); Celesta and Xylophone behind them (with Violins 2 & 4 at either side of them); Snare drum and cymbals (with Violas 1 & 2); Timpami and Bass Drum (with 'celli 1 & 2) and Double Basses at the very back, behind the percussionists. Sounds like Solti followed this pattern.

[Barbirollians]

Reiner for me !

[Petrushka]

There is an "Approximate Positioning of the Orchestra" at the start of the pocket score: the two string orchestras mirror each other and surround the percussion players in the centre of the platform. Piano and Harp at the front (with Violins 1 and 3 at either side); Celesta and Xylophone behind them (with Violins 2 & 4 at either side of them); Snare drum and cymbals (with Violas 1 & 2); Timpami and Bass Drum (with 'celli 1 & 2) and Double Basses at the very back, behind the percussionists. Sounds like Solti followed this pattern.

Thanks very much for this. That arrangement does indeed seem the one that Solti followed and that should come as no surprise.