BaL 8.11.14 - Stravinsky: Petrushka

[Tony Halstead]

And not just in Stravinsky...

Quite so!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I disliked intensely the "musical" trumpet solo in the Salonen/Philharmonia recording about which MC was so enthusiastic, otherwise I thought this was a decent BaL. I wish Abbado had kept entirely to the 1911 score in his LSO ecording: the excerpts from this were the ones that attracted me most. Rattle a good choice overall. Was the later, DG Chicago Boulez recording mentioned? If so, I missed it; the NYPO/CBS recording sounded excellent and slovenly by turns.

[Black Swan]

I disliked intensely the "musical" trumpet solo in the Salonen/Philharmonia recording about which MC was so enthusiastic, otherwise I thought this was a decent BaL. I wish Abbado had kept entirely to the 1911 score in his LSO ecording: the excerpts from this were the ones that attracted me most. Rattle a good choice overall. Was the later, DG Chicago Boulez recording mentioned? If so, I missed it; the NYPO/CBS recording sounded excellent and slovenly by turns.

I totally agree with the comment on Abbado. I was driving and found it the most interesting. I need to decide if I need another recording I have Colin Davis and the Francois-Xavier Roth and Les Siecles recent recording.

[gradus]

I really enjoyed this BAL. A very useful and informative review as far as i am concerned as I've only ever had the vaguest idea what is actually going on on stage. Its such a wonderful piece that I don't think I've ever heard a performance I didn't like. I must try to see a ballet performance, anyone recommend a DVD?

[visualnickmos]

I have only the Haitink LPO 1911 version (Philips Duo) More than happy with that. But I did enjoy the BaL. I learned a bit about the difference between the two versions.

Seems odd though, that Abaddo saw fit to do a "pick and mix" job; not really playing the game, is it?

If anything, I might be tempted to go for the composer-conducted version on Sony. I have a couple of his works self-conducted, and they are very, very good. They speak to me despite any possible 'lapses' in the playing, which, fortunately for a non-muso like me, I won't always notice!

[Nick Armstrong]

Having slightly rationalised the location of comments about this BAL... .... I can say that I too appreciated Martin Cotton's clear analysis, eschewing the version-confusion in favour of a linear approach to the piece, taking in whichever interpretation seemed to him relevant, irrespective of version. After all, lots of them - Dorati, Abbado - seemed to blend the versions with gay abandon. Though I did note he said it was a point in favour of the winning Rattle that is was a coherent single version (1947). It has to be said that Rattle's recording really sang out as being wonderful in the third extract, played after Monteux and Boulez I think. it was pretty clear that Rattle and Salonen were ahead in the race, with 1911 and 1947 respectively, and with Abbado and his hodge-podge in the leading pack too.

I find to my surprise that I only have the Stravinsky/Columbia version on CD; digitally, I have two 1947 versions - Salonen's electrifying performance from the 2011 Proms which I was at and of which I managed to procure a great recording; and a free download from the Minnesota Orchestra of Vanska's performance in the orchestra's hall in 2010. They will do me for that version, both are scintillating.

I am tempted by the Rattle, it did sound terrific... but I've just remembered that it too was the 1947 version

[cloughie]

There is a recording which I have always rated - never on CD to my knowledge - CSO/Levine on RCA.

[Black Swan]

I am tempted by the Rattle, it did sound terrific.

Same here Caliban. I just have to decide which set to buy....

[Nick Armstrong]

Same here Caliban. I just have to decide which set to buy....

But I've just realised I got it wrong above - he plays the 1947 one too. So less tempted now.

[VodkaDilc]

I find to my surprise that I only have the Stravinsky/Columbia version on CD;

I made the same surprise discovery, so, much as I like that version for its clean, analytical sound, I listened with the intention of buying a more modern one to go alongside it. It was a useful BAL and I was being tempted by the Salonen version as the programme went on. My opinion is that Martin Cotton's sole reason for eventually discarding it, (that he kept to the composer's tempo marking at a crucial section, instead of winding up the excitement by speeding up), is not enough to topple it from the top spot. I think that's the one I'll buy.

Good to see a classic, one-person BAL again.

[VodkaDilc]

I find to my surprise that I only have the Stravinsky/Columbia version on CD; digitally, I have two 1947 versions - Salonen's electrifying performance from the 2011 Proms which I was at and of which I managed to procure a great recording;

Sounds as if you might have had your portable tape machine concealed about your person.

[Nick Armstrong]

Sounds as if you might have had your portable tape machine concealed about your person.

Nope! Never done that! With the noisy, bronchitic, flatulent, restless so-and-so's who always seem to be nearby in concerts? Not likely!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

With the noisy, bronchitic, flatulent, restless so-and-so's who always seem to be nearby in concerts? Not likely!

All right, all right! I'll get a different seat next time!

[Bryn]

Sounds as if you might have had your portable tape machine concealed about your person.

Portable tape machine? How very last century.

[VodkaDilc]

Portable tape machine? How very last century

I couldn't think of better way of summing myself up. Thanks for the compliment.

(What do the youngsters use? An i-Recorder?)

Actually, Caliban might have witnessed an incident of this sort during one of Volodos's encores at the RFH recently. A lady some rows in front of me was clearly trying to make a recording on her 'device'. An attendant was soon onto her and almost snatched it from her. The discussion continued long after the piece ended. The appearance of the lady made me think that she might have claimed, rightly or wrongly, that she did not understand what the attendant was complaining about.