STRAVINSKY
The Rite of Spring, The Firebird Suite (1919)
Symphony Orchestra of Southwest
German Radio, Baden-Baden.
Conducted by Jascha Horenstein.
(Recordings from 1957) Vox
Legends Vox
7804
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Both these date from Horenstein's series of recordings for Vox in the 1950s
which was the longest association he ever had with one company. It straddled
the mono and stereo eras and this is reflected in the fact that the Rite
is in mono and the Firebird in stereo. This Firebird always was a fine recording
with some well-balanced sound adding to its appeal even in LP days. My own
experience of that release was always coloured by what appeared to be an
indifferent pressing that was unusual for Vox. Now we are able to hear what
a fine achievement this recording was. Sometimes Horenstein can give an initial
impression of being a conductor of sober attitudes - a Gielgud rather than
an Olivier. But this exotically-plumed fowl struts and preens with dazzling
effect and a real classy poise that many of today's flashy young maestri
could pluck a feather or two from to put in their hats. The lovely Princesses
Round Dance is dignified and serene but coming as it does before a real virtuoso
kick from the Infernal dance you sense Horenstein's legendary ability to
think across a piece. Notice in the latter also details that you might find
to be missing in other issues of this recording now pristine and sharp. Though
the solo trombone contributions are as rib tickling as ever. The Finale used
to present the greatest problems in LP days when even the best pickups threatened
to give up in protest against the whoops of the brass and the cracks of the
bass drum, the latter especially well caught. Now all these emerge with little
distortion though the 24 bit mastering may have robbed the sound picture
of a little atmosphere when compared with a previous CD incarnation on an
ultra-cheap Pilz issue. A small point that doesn't detract from the unreserved
welcome back I give to this much-loved rendition. Those with an ear for more
up-to-date sound should be aware age does intrude in some slight "fizzing"
at the top but I for one can live with that.
The sound quality on the Rite does call for more tolerance and it isn't just
the fact that it's in mono. However, Horenstein's view of this work adds
to a feeling of greater astringency and earthiness the sound picture conveys.
All the same this work really does demand the best possible sound and playing
so be aware of this recording's shortcomings. That taken into account there
is much to admire and enjoy in an account that is classical in outline. Notice
in the Introduction that no attempt at all is made to smooth out the various
woodwind lines. They are allowed to curl and infest each other like insidious
bindweed and there's a seamless transition into the Spring Auguries where
a splendid downforce is imparted to the punching rhythms. This contrasts
well with the Spring Dances where a sense of forward propulsion enters and
energy that has been pent-up now finds release. When the orchestra is going
full out here the dynamic range of the recording has to lessen in order to
cope and I did think the Dance of the Earth that concludes Part I could have
done with a real virtuoso orchestra. There is some loss of detail here even
though you can hear what Horenstein is trying to achieve in rounding things
off before the weird introduction to Part II. This emerges with real distinction,
a twentieth century classic if ever there was one that is most unsettling.
It would be possible to view Horenstein's very literal, classical account
of Part II as lacking in atmosphere and character. Compared with others I
think this is true but Horenstein's view is valid. You have the impression
of the music almost being analysed from bar to bar. Remember the Rite was
by no means as familiar on record or in the concert hall in 1957 as it is
today. Even though this is Hans Rosbaud's orchestra I wonder how much the
deliberate Sacrificial Dance that closes the work is to be explained by this
fact as it is by Horenstein's intentions. True, there is a hypnotic quality
to it but I believe the close of this work should go with a greater tilt
than this.
A disc that all Horenstein admirers will be glad to have in their collections
and one other collectors should give serious consideration to also. The Rite
of Spring is the weaker of the two performances in sound and playing terms
but it is one I shall return to nevertheless.
Reviewer
Tony Duggan
Firebird:
Performance:
Recording:
Rite of Spring:
Performance:
Recording:
