Rite of Spring [Import]

I purchased this CD when it was released back in 1993. From the first "C" opening in the Haydn, to the final note in the Stravinsky, Leonard (Slatkin) and the orchestra are amazing as usual! To begin with, the programming of the disc is incredible! How often do we see the Rite of Spring without say, the Firebird suite or even Petroushka on the same albums, over and over? They are staples in the Stravinsky compositions, but this collaboration paints us a different picture than we are accustomed to.

We have the often unheard Haydn "Creation", and the World premiere recording of Alberto Ginastera's "Popul Vuh". I was in St. Louis when they performed the Ginastera for the 1st time and was amazed! What a piece! Am grateful Slatkin was able to bring this to our attention, as well as record it. Even for those who don't like "contemporary" music, after hearing the "Popul Vuh" and the Stravinsky, on this disc you will forever change your mind.

As in all their RCA collaborations with Slatkin, the SLSO, will hear them in what I consider to be one of, if not the best of the discs recorded for RCA during Slatkin's tenure as Music Director. Of particular note, the Brass especially, Susan Slaughter, Principal Trumpet; Principal Timpani, Rick Holmes; as well as percussionists Rich O'Donnell, John Kasica, Tom Stubbs, and of course some of the finest extra's in the business in the Ginastera, and "Rite" Do yourself a favor and purchase this CD, and sit back, you will listen over and over!!

Also recommeded by Slatkin and the SLSO

Mahler-Symphony No. 1 in D "Titan"

Mahler-Symphony No. 2 in c "Resurrection"

Barber-School for Scandal, Adagio, Essays, Medea

Barber-Sympony No. 1

Rachmoninov- 3 Symphonies

Shostakovich-Symphony No. 10 in e

If you find you like contemporary music I would also like to recommend the following discs-

Penderecki-Orchestral Works "Nature of Sound", Threnody for Victims of Hiroshima", "Dream of Jacob",...etc,Penderecki-cond.

Ligeti-"Ligeti Project Vol. 2" contains-"Lontano", San Francisco Polyphony" etc....

Messaien-"Turangalila-Symphonie" Aimard, Kim, Berlin Phil.-Nagano-cond.

Boulez-"Rituel" (in memoriam..), "Eclat","Multiples"-Ensemble Inter-Contemporian-Boulez-cond.