Prepare to be immersed in a world of symphonic grandeur with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's latest release, "Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Boulez." This extraordinary collection, set to drop on April 4, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, is a testament to the orchestra's unparalleled mastery of classical music. Spanning a captivating 2 hours and 18 minutes, this album is a journey through some of the most iconic and evocative works in the orchestral repertoire.
The album opens with Richard Strauss' majestic "Also sprach Zarathustra," a piece that has become synonymous with epic cinematic scores and philosophical depth. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's rendition is a powerful interpretation that sets the stage for the rest of the album. Following this, the orchestra delves into the rich tapestry of Hungarian composer Béla Bartók's works, including the dramatic "The Miraculous Mandarin" and the lively "Dance Suite." These pieces showcase the orchestra's versatility and technical brilliance, as they navigate through complex rhythms and vibrant melodies.
The album also features selections from Igor Stravinsky's "The Firebird," a ballet that has captivated audiences with its enchanting storytelling and innovative musical techniques. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra's performance brings to life the magical and otherworldly elements of this classic work, making it a highlight of the album.
In addition to these well-known pieces, the album includes lesser-known gems such as Pierre Boulez's "Études for Orchestra" and Edgard Varèse's "Ionisation." These works demonstrate the orchestra's ability to tackle modern and avant-garde compositions with the same level of skill and precision as their classical counterparts.
Throughout the album, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's performance is marked by its rich, full sound and impeccable timing. The orchestra's ability to convey the emotional depth and complexity of each piece is a testament to their years of experience and dedication to their craft. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Boulez" is sure to be a rewarding and enriching listening experience.
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: I. Prelude. SonnenaufgangRichard Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: II. Von den HinterweltlernRichard Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: III. Von der großen SehnsuchtRichard Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: IV. Von den Freuden und LeidenschaftenRichard Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: V. Das GrabliedRichard Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: VI. Von der WissenschaftRichard Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: IX. Das NachtwandlerliedRichard Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez, Samuel Magad
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: Introduction. AllegroBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: 1st Decoy Game. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: 2nd Decoy GameBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: 3rd Decoy Game. SostenutoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: The Girl Sinks Down to Embrace Him. AllegroBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: The Tramps Leap Out. Sempre vivoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: Suddenly the Mandarin's Head Appears. AdagioBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: Again, the Frightened Tramps Discuss How to Eliminate the Mandarin. AgitatoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: The Body of the Mandarin Begins to Glow with a Greenish Blue Light. Molto moderatoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Duain Wolfe
The Miraculous Mandarin, Sz. 73: She Resists No Longer – They Embrace. Più mosso – VivoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: II. Allegro moltoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: III. Allegro vivaceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: IV. Molto tranquilloBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Dance Suite, Sz. 77: V. ComodoBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: I. Evening in TransylvaniaBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: II. Bear DanceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: III. MelodyBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: IV. Slightly TipsyBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Hungarian Sketches, Sz. 97: V. Swineherd's DanceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 5th Dance. The Princess Pulls and Tugs at the Wooden Prince and Tries to Make Him DanceBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Wooden Prince, Sz. 60: 6th Dance. She Tries to Attract the Real Prince with Her Seductive DancingBéla Bartók, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: I. IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: II. Kashchei's Enchanted GardenIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: III. Appearance of the Firebird Pursued by Ivan TsarevichIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: IV. Dance of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: V. Ivan Tsarevich Captures the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: VIII. Game of the Princesses with the Golden ApplesIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: IX. Sudden Appearance of Ivan TsarevichIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: X. Round Dance of the PrincessesIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: XI. DaybreakIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: XV. Kashchei's Retinue Dances Under the Firebird's SpellIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: XVI. Infernal Dance of Kashchei's SubjectsIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
The Firebird, K10: XIX. The Palace Disappears and Kashchei's Spells Are Broken, The Stone Knights Return to Life – General RejoicingIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Fireworks, Op. 4, K7Igor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
4 Etudes for Orchestra, K51: I. Danse. Con motoIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
4 Etudes for Orchestra, K51: II. ExcentriqueIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
4 Etudes for Orchestra, K51: III. Cantique. LargoIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
4 Etudes for Orchestra, K51: IV. Madrid. Allegro con motoIgor Stravinsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
IonisationEdgard Varèse, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Symphony No. 1 in D Major: II. Kräftig bewegt, doch nicht zu schnellGustav Mahler, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Rhapsody No. 1 for Violin and Orchestra, Sz. 87: I. Lassú. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Gil Shaham, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Rhapsody No. 1 for Violin and Orchestra, Sz. 87: II. Friss. Allegretto moderatoBéla Bartók, Gil Shaham, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez
Rhapsody No. 2 for Violin and Orchestra, Sz. 90: I. Lassú. ModeratoBéla Bartók, Gil Shaham, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Boulez