Rite of Spring

Hermy

I heard this for the first time yesterday on the JK Ensemble on Lyric FM.
All I can say is wow! An extraordinary piece of music - no wonder it caused riots when first it was performed.
Twas an EMI recording with Sir Simon Rattle conducting the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
I'd welcome anyones comments on the piece and what your favourite reording of it are.

The Mad Hatter

There's a very good BBC historical documentary drama performance* on YouTube called Riot at the Rite. It includes a full performance of the ballet, dancers and all.

I have a recording by Herbert vonKarajan with the Berlin Philharmonic, which takes a strange approach - slightly slower-than-usual tempo and some interesting orchestral colouring.














*Honestly, I have no idea what else to call it...

Hermy

Thanks for the reply Mad Hatter.
Yeah, I read that Von Karajan did something different all right - might be worth a listen.
I suppose in the meantime I'll go hunting for the Rattle version, seen as that's what I first heard.

The Mad Hatter

I have just found Stravinsky's first recording - made in 1927 - on archive.org. Haven't listened to it yet, but from what I've been told it's pretty much the best recording available. God bless public domain.

Hermy

That's brilliant MH. Thanks for your effort.

The Mad Hatter

Hermy wrote: »

That's brilliant MH. Thanks for your effort.

No problem. It's one of my favourite pieces.

Hermy

I had a listen to the Stravinsky performance and it's great despite the lesser sound quality of such an old recording. Actually the 'old' sound really reminds you of how long ago it was that Stravinsky composed this piece and how challenging it must have been for the listeners of the time to deal with it.

On the subject of favourite pieces, mine is Shostakovich First Violin Concerto - absolutely stunning piece of music.

The Mad Hatter

Hermy wrote: »

I had a listen to the Stravinsky performance and it's great despite the lesser sound quality of such an old recording. Actually the 'old' sound really reminds you of how long ago it was that Stravinsky composed this piece and how challenging it must have been for the listeners of the time to deal with it.

On the subject of favourite pieces, mine is Shostakovich First Violin Concerto - absolutely stunning piece of music.

Yeah, I think despite the old recording, it comes across extremely well. Certainly the rawest and punchiest Rite I've heard, and that's saying something. Was almost tempted to riot myself

funky penguin

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't it the actually choreography that caused the riots and not Stravinsky's music?

Awesome piece of 20th cent. music. Raw, but tender at the right moments.

The Mad Hatter

funky penguin wrote: »

Correct me if I'm wrong but wasn't it the actually choreography that caused the riots and not Stravinsky's music?

Awesome piece of 20th cent. music. Raw, but tender at the right moments.

I've never heard that before, though I doubt it was the choreography alone. People were aware before they went in what the ballet was about - but I doubt anyone expected music quite that extreme (especially by the standards of the time, and by comparison to what Stravinsky had done before it). Quite possibly a contributory factor, though.

Aard

One of my favourite pieces tbh.


My favourite recording is the first one I heard, which is a BBC version iirc. I've heard others (can't remember the label) but they aren't as good imo.

rcaz

I have a recording of The Rite with Leonard Bernstein conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. The same CD has Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic for The Firebird. I'm not completely into The Rite yet, but The Firebird is my favourite piece of music of all time, particularly the Finale and The Infernal March of King Kastchei.

The Mad Hatter

El Pr0n wrote: »

I have a recording of The Rite with Leonard Bernstein conducting the London Symphony Orchestra. The same CD has Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic for The Firebird. I'm not completely into The Rite yet, but The Firebird is my favourite piece of music of all time, particularly the Finale and The Infernal March of King Kastchei.

Ooh, haven't heard Bernstein conducting Stravinsky, but I'd say it's very good. Firebird is right down his street.

rcaz

The Mad Hatter wrote: »

Ooh, haven't heard Bernstein conducting Stravinsky, but I'd say it's very good. Firebird is right down his street.

It's really good, he gets the finale just right. I've heard a few versions where the fast bit at the end is too fast, Bernstein seems to know what he's at