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75.41.57.16
I just returned from a performance by the San Francisco Symphony (the phenom Gustavo Dudamel conducting) of Stravinsky's "The Firebird". In a word it was awesome.I “prepped” for the performance by listening to two performances (on 3 formats) of the “The Firebird Suite”. But after the performance this evening I think I consider purchasing a modern recording of the uncut 1910 version if a good one is available on SACD. I have at least on version on vinyl already. Any suggestions?
The “Suites” I “prepped” on for this evening’s performance were the Shaw/Atlanta Telarc CD (not SACD), the Jarvi/Cincinnati Telarc (SACD), and then back to the Shaw/Atlantic Lp. Actually, I enjoyed both performances. The Shaw/Atlantic Lp did blow away the CD version although the Lp being the last of the three to be played (I played the CD first) I had better dialed (louder)in the best volume level for that final listen. The Jarvi/Cincinnati Telarc (SACD) was every bit as powerful as the Lp. Although, I listened in two-channel through the SCD-1 since my multi-channel transport is on the way to the shop for repairs (see below).
The first piece on the program this evening was Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto #1 (heavily revised in 1918) that I don’t believe I had ever heard. Based on the performance, while it does not have the level of invention of #2 and #3, I’m surprised that it’s not played more. According to the pre concert talk Rachmaninoff love to play it in concert as much, if not, more than the others. Krill Gerstein was the soloist.
It just so happened that last week I had the opportunity to hear a live performance of another Rachmaninoff piano work, "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini".
By the way, the loudest passages of “The Firebird” hit 102. That is probably on the low side because I had the Radio Shack meter on the floor behind the seat in front of me lest security mistake it as a recording device. I also suspect that it may have been appreciable louder in other places in Davies Hall.
Robert C. Lang
Edits: 03/21/08Follow Ups:
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