Petrouchka, Le Chant Du Rossignol, Fireworks: Maazel / Vpo

This is a good recording of a solid performance of three of Stravinsky's early works. They are nicely matched, showing the many theatrical facets of Stravinsky's early writing woven together with the common theme of his use of Russian folklore. Lorin Maazel, with his impressive array of credits as conductor, composer and violinist, brings a broad perspective to the podium, which enables him to infuse his interpretation with the exuberance of all the media Stravinsky brought to bear in these pieces.
For example, one can easily hear in this performance that 'Petrouchka' is a ballet. The orchestra treads lightly, as if to accompany dancers, but illustrates the drama with explosive dynamics when appropriate. The musicians of the Vienna Philharmonic are superb, and their performance is augmented by excellent keyboard playing by Rainer Keuschnig, Herbert Rudisser and Klara Torbova.
REVIEWS:
International Record Review (4/00, pp.42-44) - "...Maazel clearly has special affinity for ['Le chant du rossignol']. The opening bursts into life...while the ensuing sequence of events maintains a perfect balance between aural and visual immediacy..."