Track Listing

1. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 1. The Shrovetide Fair. Vivace
2. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 1. The Shrovetide Fair. The Magic Trick
3. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 1. The Shrovetide Fair. Russian Dance
4. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 2. Petrouchka's Cell
5. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 3. The Moor's Cell: L'istesso tempo
6. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 3. The Moor's Cell: Dance of the Ballerina
7. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 3. The Moor's Cell: Waltz
8. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Tempo giusto
9. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Wet Nurses' Dance
10. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Peasant with Bear
11. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Gypsies and a Rake Vendor
12. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Dance of the Coachmen
13. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Masqueraders
14. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): The Scuffle (Moor and Pet
15. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Death of Petrouchka
16. Petrushka, ballet (burlesque) in 4 scenes for orchestra (1947 version): Scene 4. The Fair (Toward Evening): Appearance of Petrouchka'
17. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 1. The Adoration of the Earth: Introduction
18. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 1. The Adoration of the Earth: Harbingers of Spring
19. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 1. The Adoration of the Earth: Mock Abduction
20. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 1. The Adoration of the Earth: Spring Khorovod (Rou
21. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 1. The Adoration of the Earth: Games of the Rival T
22. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 1. The Adoration of the Earth: Procession of the Wi
23. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 1. The Adoration of the Earth: Adoration of the Ear
24. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 2. The Sacrifice: Introduction
25. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 2. The Sacrifice: Mystic Circles of the Young Girls
26. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 2. The Sacrifice: Glorification of the Chosen Victi
27. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 2. The Sacrifice: Summoning of the Ancestors
28. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 2. The Sacrifice: Ritual of the Ancestors
29. Le Sacre du printemps (The Rite of Spring), ballet in 2 parts for orchestra: Part 2. The Sacrifice: Sacrificial Dance (Chosen One)
30. Fireworks (Feu D'artifice), fantasy for orchestra, Op. 4

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9263 in Music
• Brand: RCA
• Released on: 1999-03-09
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Amazon.com
The Boston Symphony was at the peak of its powers when it engaged the 34-year-old Seiji Ozawa for this 1969 recording of Petrushka, in which the orchestra's then 24-year-old assistant conductor, Michael Tilson Thomas, played the extensive solo piano part. Ozawa, in those years, was capable of striking sparks with any orchestra he faced, and there is a palpable sense of excitement to the Petrushka he uncorks here. The accounts of The Rite of Spring and Fireworks, recorded in 1968 with the Chicago Symphony, are equally dynamic and colorful. BMG's long-awaited 24/96 remastering unleashes the breathtakingly open sound of the original tapes for the first time on CD, and may require a volume cut to preserve peace with the neighbors. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

The best Rite of Spring
Ozawa's account of Stravinsky's most famous ballet is nothing short of astounding. The conductor has the Chicago Symphony playing with total attention. What is so amazing about this recording is that the orchestra is completely controlled and balanced. Although one may prefer a more spontaneous sounding Rite, one would be hard pressed to find a recording with more energy, polish, and power.

Ozawa's Petrouchka (with Michael Tilson Thomas at the piano) is equally amazing. The beauty of phrasing and emotion Ozawa instills into the players of the Boston Symphony orchestra is chilling. Indeed, when this recording was made, Ozawa had just taken the reigns or the orchestra (however, over the years, his energy and intensity has lessened) and they play for their new music director with total conviction.

Fireworks, a short symphonic sketch by the young Stravinsky, shows the influences of his teachers, especially Paul Dukas in the orchestration. Although not a seminal work, the opus 4 is delightful.

The recording quality is of equal quality. Highly recommended.

Essential Stravinsky
This performance of the Rite is probably the best I have heard. The quality of the recording is amazing, I have to listen to it at reduced volume to prevent things from falling off the shelves in my house! Ozawa leads his Chicago forces flawlessly, confidently bringing out the powerful, driving rhythms in full force, while bringing to the slow moments a sense of tension and mystery. Ozawa's recording of Petrouchka, with Michael Tilson-Thomas and the Bostonians, is no less powerful and exciting. The short orchestral piece, Fireworks ends things with a bang.

Best or not, you'll really love this Rite of Spring
Being among my top favorite pieces in the 20th century (after all, this piece turned the view of classical music upside down), I have tested myself listening to various versions by different performers. As far as much as I listened, my top two will have to be Leonard Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic (the most brashing, bashin, mind-crushin'!!!) and this equally thrilling performance with Ozawa leading the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Officially, this is a major highlight throughout Ozawa's conducting legacy, still a very young man with seemly imperishable vigor and force very equilavent to his teacher Lenny. The Boston Symphony is an excellent orchestra to work with (the woodwinds and brass especially); otherwize the Chicago Symphony could have been the only other choice.

In my perspective, I had to admit that, just by focusing on the level of being barbaric and noxious, it slightly lacks that to Lenny, but on the other hand, it's brilliant controlled nail-biting high tempo can cover that.

Definitely worth buying!!! GO FOR IT!!!!!