BaL 8.07.23 - Stravinsky: Petrushka

[Pulcinella]

You mean this one which has Petrushka on disc 2 ?
...

No, I meant the bigger (later) box.
But I'll check what it says.
Sony are not the most reliable documenters!

This one:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Igor-Stravinsky-Complete-Columbia-Collection/dp/B00TH53056

Given that he reorchestrated to regain copyright, it's not surprising that he recorded that later version, I guess.

[Petrushka]

I thought Stravinsky's version with the Columbia SO was 1947 ?

Various claims have been made for this recording. It was originally said to be 1911 which then became 1947, while others claim that it's neither or some combination of the two. I just wish there was a definitive answer!

[Bryn]

You mean this one which has Petrushka on disc 2 ?

Yet another Sony error regarding a Stravinsky recording they took over from the American Columbia label. By the time they got to the most recent version of their "Complete Columbia Recordings" they had corrected the error and cited the 1947 version (CD 22). CD 2 in that boxed set has the Petrushka Suite (recorded in 1940). That, of course, is quite a different kettle of fish.

[Maclintick]

Yet another Sony error regarding a Stravinsky recording they took over from the American Columbia label. By the time they got to the most recent version of their "Complete Columbia Recordings" they had corrected the error and cited the 1947 version (CD 22). CD 2 in that boxed set has the Petrushka Suite (recorded in 1940). That, of course, is quite a different kettle of fish.

What a minefield. Not sure I'll invest in the 2015 55-CD set, but thanks for clearing up the misinformation on this one, Bryn.

[Bryn]

What a minefield. Not sure I'll invest in the 2015 55-CD set, but thanks for clearing up the misinformation on this one, Bryn.

I have way too many duplicates of Columbia Stravinsky conducts recordings, from LPs (my first, a requested birthday present of the Symphony in Movements and Violin Concerto in 1963). Much later, I started collecting the CD versions as they were released, then the original big boxed set of 22 CDs in their jewel cases. Since the later, version of that set, in card sleeves, was a total duplicate in content, I skipped it, but when the newer, corrected and much more complete 56 CDs + 1 DVD 'original jackets' boxed set was released, I got that, too. At last, the Movements for Piano and Orchestra was issued on CD complete. All previous CD releases of it, including that in the Charles Rosen boxed set, omitted the repeat in the first movement (there again, the recording sessions for that work had been a bit of a disaster, all round, with neither the composer nor Rosen being happy with the results). In my youth, I was pretty much totally besotted with Stravinsky's oeuvre.

[Pulcinella]

I have way too many duplicates of Columbia Stravinsky conducts recordings, from LPs (my first, a requested birthday present of the Symphony in Movements and Violin Concerto in 1963). Much later, I started collecting the CD versions as they were released, then the original big boxed set of 22 CDs in their jewel cases. Since the later, version of that set, in card sleeves, was a total duplicate in content, I skipped it, but when the newer, corrected and much more complete 56 CDs + 1 DVD 'original jackets' boxed set was released, I got that, too. At last, the Movements for Piano and Orchestra was issued on CD complete. All previous CD releases of it, including that in the Charles Rosen boxed set, omitted the repeat in the first movement (there again, the recording sessions for that work had been a bit of a disaster, all round, with neither the composer nor Rosen being happy with the results). In my youth, I was pretty much totally besotted with Stravinsky's oeuvre.

Remarkably similar to my own besotted youth, though my first LP was the Symphony of Psalms and Symphony in C one (I still love that cover).
Was your 22CD set in the limited edition big black box? I sometimes wish I'd kept it (why though?) but I hope the old school friend I gave it to is still enjoying it.

PS: To answer my own "Why, though?": Some of the recordings on Disc 13 (Volume 2 of the Chamber music and historical recordings) of the 22CD set didn't make it into the 'more complete' set.
Duo concertant
Piano Rag Music
Serenade in A
Concerto for 2 solo pianos

[Alison]

Very well done Petrushka! Formidable list.

[Barbirollians]

I think I have an earlier box and will go and check it now. It would seem odd for him to use the 1911 as I understood one of his drivers for the 1947 revision was that the 1911 was out of copyright.

[HighlandDougie]

There is a discussion somewhere on the web (it might be in Amazon USA?) about Sony's sloppily getting it wrong and citing 1911 in the black box (and possibly in other releases) when it was definitely the 1947 edition which was recorded in LA in 1960. As Bryn says, the Complete Edition corrects the attribution. Indeed, I've just checked the original Philips UK release on LP - SABL 175 - and it states - 'Revised 1947 Version' on the label.

[gurnemanz]

I also have the Sony black box with the 1911 date. Thanks to contributors above for correction to 1947.

A 2014 Discovering Music edition with Stephen Johnston illustrates some differences between the two versions. Eg at around 10.33 mins he compares the Ballerina's fanfare on trumpet (1947) and cornet (1911)

[smittims]

I think most of the changes of 1947 are simplifications, practicalites: for instance the first counter-melody at the very start of the work was given to the cellos, whereas the 1947 changes it to violas, in whose compass it sits more easily.

[Bryn]

Remarkably similar to my own besotted youth, though my first LP was the Symphony of Psalms and Symphony in C one (I still love that cover).
Was your 22CD set in the limited edition big black box? I sometimes wish I'd kept it (why though?) but I hope the old school friend I gave it to is still enjoying it.

PS: To answer my own "Why, though?": Some of the recordings on Disc 13 (Volume 2 of the Chamber music and historical recordings) of the 22CD set didn't make it into the 'more complete' set.
Duo concertant
Piano Rag Music
Serenade in A
Concerto for 2 solo pianos

Regarding the items that "didn't make it into the 'more complete' set", the Duo Concertante (Szigeti/Stravinsky) is, in fact, on disc 7 of "The Complete Columbia Album Collection". The others were not Columbia recordings and were licenced from HMV/EMI. They are currently available in the Warner Igor Stravinsky Edition.

Oh, and yes, my 22-CD set is in the strong black plastic slip-case.

[richardfinegold]

My favourites are

Detroit SO/Dorati - my first version
CBSO/Rattle after seeing them play it live at the Barbican in 1987 or so
BSO/Monteux marvellous account of the 1911 score
LSO/Abbado

I have the Monteux (marvelous, as Barbs noted)and the Dorati (having attended concerts at the time of the recording).
Last night I was pulling discs from the Klemperer box at random and played his recording. The rhythms are a tad less bouncy than others but he does really have a vision for the piece, communicating its pathos very effectively. My go to is Ozawa/Chicago.

[Barbirollians]

I think I have an earlier box and will go and check it now. It would seem odd for him to use the 1911 as I understood one of his drivers for the 1947 revision was that the 1911 was out of copyright.

I see Bryn has answered the question !

[Pulcinella]

Regarding the items that "didn't make it into the 'more complete' set", the Duo Concertante (Szigeti/Stravinsky) is, in fact, on disc 7 of "The Complete Columbia Album Collection". The others were not Columbia recordings and were licenced from HMV/EMI. They are currently available in the Warner Igor Stravinsky Edition.

Oh, and yes, my 22-CD set is in the strong black plastic slip-case.

So it is! Don't know how I missed that.