Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite; Borodin: Music from Prince Igor

Now here's a CD of the highest order: well-mastered sound, not one, but two magnificent performances and interesting companion notes.

In "The Firebird", Stravinsky proves that in the hands of a master composer - even a reluctant one as Stravinsky was in accepting this commission (the composer procrastinated before finally getting down to business) - less (in terms of length) is indeed more. Utilizing three fairly short themes, Stravinsky conjures imagery that glistens, shimmers and burns like a bonfire. The orchestration is perfect and the exposition is tight as a drum, underscoring the composer's precise, almost engineering-like approach to composition. And watch out for the shocker nearly ten minutes into the piece - it will knock you off your chair. This is programmatic music nicely explained in the accompanying notes, but you don't have to know the story to thoroughly appreciate the music.

If you really want to get the adrenalin pumping, continue on to the Polovetsian Dances from "Prince Igor". Listeners of popular music know the initial theme as "Take My Hand, I'm a Stranger in Paradise" (as performed by numerous mainstream singers). The seminal version is sung lovingly by the chorus - and then the dances take off, going into overdrive as if both orchestra and chorus are being driven by a bullwhip. This is stirring music, boldly performed by great musicians.

Highly recommended.

This my favorite of the 500 classical cds in my collection. The clarity of the recording and the excellent definition of the voices, choral and orchestral, presented by this Russian music make it the best representation of this music I have heard--I get it out when I want to shop for a new amp or speakers and take it with me. The salespeople I meet are suddenly impressed with the sound of "classical" music (this is romantic period stuff), and I get to select the correct component with the music I know best in my ears. The audio sensitivity and thunderous climaxes are excellent.

Everybody did their job right. The compositions are engaging and beautiful. The orchestra is masterfully conducted by Robert Shaw, with the details if instrumentation and vocalization presented with marvelous clarity and integration. The musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra perform with diligent craft and articulation. And, finally, the recording engineers captured the sound with all its glory and detail; leaving to you the easy part: buy it and put it in your player.

This is a fabulous cd to enjoy and let your ears pick apart. Each instrument is voiced through precision, clarity and ingenuity. As a youngster in the classical world (22), I find this to be a compelling piece of work that transcends age. The continuous and explosive climaxes are both endearing and send lightening bolts through the listeners veins. I highly reccomend this to any true advocate of fine music.

This is perhaps my favorite recording of my favorite piece. The Firebird Suite, as recorded by Telarc, performed By ASO/Shaw, Is the cleanest, richest version yet. If you are a newcomer to classical music, try this as your first... It is bound to entrance with it's swaying, lulling movements which are shredded to bits by fire and lightning explosions culminating in a spectacular finale which still makes my heart beat fast after so many years. A must for the collector as well. Telarc ddd recording so clear that you can tell what the patron listening in the 3rd row had for dinner. :-) This piece was a favorite of Ernie Kovacs and he featured it in one of his musical skits. This is a sure buy.