Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Igor Stravinsky with this captivating compilation of his most iconic works. Released on April 7, 2008, under Warner Classics, this album spans a rich 1 hour and 45 minutes of neoclassical and orchestral masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music.
The album opens with Stravinsky's dramatic and profound "Oedipus Rex," a compelling operatic adaptation of the ancient Greek tragedy. This work is a testament to Stravinsky's ability to blend mythological grandeur with modernist innovation, featuring powerful choral and orchestral passages that bring Sophocles' timeless story to life.
Following this, the enchanting ballet "The Firebird" takes center stage. This lush and vivid score is a cornerstone of Stravinsky's repertoire, showcasing his brilliant orchestration and inventive use of Russian folk melodies. From the ethereal "Introduction" to the triumphant finale, "The Firebird" is a journey through a world of magic, danger, and ultimate redemption.
The album concludes with Stravinsky's "Symphonies of Wind Instruments," a work that exemplifies his neoclassical style. This piece is a masterclass in composition, highlighting Stravinsky's ability to create complex and engaging music using a limited palette of instruments.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a comprehensive and rewarding exploration of Stravinsky's extraordinary musical legacy.
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act I: "Spectateurs" (Le Narrateur)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, Lambert Wilson, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act I: "Caedit nos pestis" (Chorus)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, London Philharmonic Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act I: "Liberi, vos liberabo" (Œdipe, Chorus, Le Narrateur)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Lambert Wilson, London Philharmonic Choir, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act II: "Oportebat tacere, nunquam loqui" (Le Berger)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, John Mark Ainsley, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act II: "Nonne monstrum rescituri" (Œdipe)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act II: "In monte reppertus est" (Le Berger, Le Messager, Œdipe, Chorus)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, John Mark Ainsley, London Philharmonic Choir, Peter Coleman-Wright, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act II: "Et maintenant, vous allez entendre" (Le Narrateur)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, Lambert Wilson, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Act II: "Divum Jocastae caput mortuum" (Le Messager, Chorus)Igor Stravinsky, Franz Welser-Möst, London Philharmonic Choir, Peter Coleman-Wright, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Stravinsky: The Firebird: IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: The Enchanted Garden of KashcheiIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Appearance of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Dance of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Capture of the Firebird by Prince IvanIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Supplication of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Appearance of the Thirteen Enchanted PrincessesIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Scherzo. The Princesses' Game with the Golden ApplesIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Sudden Appearance of Ivan TsarevichIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Khorovod. Round Dance of the PrincessesIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: DaybreakIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Ivan Tsarevich Enters Kashchei's PalaceIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Magic Carillon, Appearance of Kashchei's Monster Guardians and Capture of Prince IvanIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Arrival of Kashchei the ImmortalIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Dialogue of Kashchei and Prince IvanIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Intercession of the PrincessesIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Appearance of the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Dance of Kashchei's Retinue, Enchanted by the FirebirdIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Infernal Dance of All Kashchei's SubjectsIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: LullabyIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Kashchei's AwakeningIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Kashchei's DeathIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 1: Profound DarknessIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: The Firebird, Pt. 2: Disappearance of Kashchei's Palace and Magical Creations, Return to Life of the Petrified Knights, General RejoicingIgor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst
Stravinsky: Symphonies of Wind Instruments (1947 version)Igor Stravinsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Franz Welser-Möst