Looking for good performances/recordings of Petrushka

[JCOConnell]

I like Stravinsky's Petrushka but don't know a thing about the various Lps that were made of it. What are some good ones, originals or reissues?

[JCOConnell]

The one I'm listening to now is with Muti and Philadelphia on angel from '82 and its not bad but its early digital master. I also have one on RCA living stereo but don't recall the director/orchestra at the moment but its pretty good.

[astrotoy]

There is a classic Decca Petrushka by Ansermet - one of the first real hi-fi recordings, the result of the military work they did in WWII. It came out around 1946 on 78's. I think it is available on CD. Ansermet did a stereo version released in '58 which has been reissued on vinyl and should also be on CD.

Ansermet conducted the Ballets Russes in Paris in the teens and twenties and conducted many premieres of Stravinsky's compositions, although not Petrushka, which Pierre Monteux premiered, also with the Ballets Russes. Monteux did a recording with the Boston Symphony in 1959 on RCA.

Larry

[1morerecord2clean]

Regardless of the recording you choose be aware that there are at least two versions of the work. There is a pre 1947 version and the 1947. I think those dates are correct. It has been a while since I read the liner notes. I have the 1947. I prefer the pre version I believe. The version I have doesn't have the "Dance of the Ballerina" trumpet solo which I like and it is an extended solo. I also just prefer the orchestration of the original version. Both versions were by Stravinsky so don't conclude that one is the "true" version.

[Rob]

Oscar Danon conducting the RPO recording of Petrouchka (1911) is off the charts fabulous, one of my absolute faves including the Ansermet Larry mentioned. The Chesky LP (DECCA) has been OOP for a while and fetches $100+ but worth every cent. I have two copies both have minor pressing issues (dimples) but the SQ more than makes up for it.

[Rob]

I've not seen or heard the SXL release, I know its a "Wilkie" recording by Decca and co. and Ken out did himself on this if that's even possible. I know, lotsa hype coming from me but its easily in my top 10 best classical records I own or have heard.

[JCOConnell]

I don't mind CDs too much for pop or rock but they just don't work on classical for me.

[Madfloyd]

I listened to this last night and am not that impressed with the sound quality. I prefer the Mercury.

[Alex Siufy]

I like two versions on DG:

Boulez / Cleveland

and

Abbado / London

Heard both on LP, and they were pretty good, in that standard dry DG sound.

[lasercd]

The Columbia series "Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky" are uniformly exceptional recordings. There is a Petroushka. Look for the original 6 eye version.

[Madfloyd]

Yes, I love all the Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky recordings!

[JCOConnell]

The Columbia series "Stravinsky Conducts Stravinsky" are uniformly exceptional recordings. There is a Petroushka. Look for the original 6 eye version.

I mail ordered one of these. What are the other titles in the series?

[lasercd]

I'm sure that I'm missing something but here are ones I either own or are aware of:

Le Sacre du Printemps
The Firebird
Igor Stravinsky Conducts, 1961 (this one in particular is a killer)
Petroushka
Violin Concerto in D Major (w/Isaac Stern)
Les Noces
Pulcinella
Le Rossignol

I look for the OG stereo 6-eye pressings although I've been told that subsequent Masterworks pressings are their sonic equal and perhaps quieter. I haven't compared at all. I also am not deeply into classical music. While one would think that Stravinsky conducting his own music would be the definitive version, apparently there are critics who take issue with the interpretations of these recordings.

If you want to dip your toe in the waters beyond the Petroushka you ordered I would suggest tracking down "1961". As I've mentioned in previous posts, the dynamics on this recording will give you whiplash. Sometimes difficult music but a very fun and engaging listen.

[JCOConnell]

I'm sure that I'm missing something but here are ones I either own or are aware of:

Le Sacre du Printemps
The Firebird
Igor Stravinsky Conducts, 1961 (this one in particular is a killer)
Petroushka
Violin Concerto in D Major (w/Isaac Stern)
Les Noces
Pulcinella
Le Rossignol

I look for the OG stereo 6-eye pressings although I've been told that subsequent Masterworks pressings are their sonic equal and perhaps quieter. I haven't compared at all. I also am not deeply into classical music. While one would think that Stravinsky conducting his own music would be the definitive version, apparently there are critics who take issue with the interpretations of these recordings.

If you want to dip your toe in the waters beyond the Petroushka you ordered I would suggest tracking down "1961". As I've mentioned in previous posts, the dynamics on this recording will give you whiplash. Sometimes difficult music but a very fun and engaging listen.

Thanks for the list.

Depending on how much I like the performance and sound (which is always iffy on Columbia) of the Columbia Symphony Orchestra, I may be interested in Rite of Spring, Firebird, the Violin Concerto/Stern, and "1961". Well see. The 6 eyes are not expensive, but they aren't free either. Especially in NM condition.

[Madfloyd]

Histoire du Soldat in this series is one of my demo LPs.

JC - that's my experience as well.

[MylesBAstor]

Strings on the Columbias are at least in my systems over the years downright unlistenable. Remember, these were recorded at the atrocious sounding Avery Fisher Hall too. Now one has to remember that Columbia pressed boatloads of these album and the sound went downhill with the pressing number but even the earlier LPs have the string sound. Ughhh..... A great argument for a Cello Palette.

Funny thing and it's counterintuitive, Stravinsky wasn't the best conductor of his own music. Something that I think Stravinsky even complemented Bernstein on. That said, one Stravinsky piece that Bernstein didn't do the best on was Petrouchka. Rite of Spring another story.

[Joe Pittman]

I have the Chesky pressing as well as Colin Davis on Philips and the Clarity Records One Step Single Sided 33RPM LP (considered to have a wide dynamic range) .

[Guest]

I don't know where it stands performance wise, but I'm a sucker for Dorati:

[astrotoy]

If you want a DSD256 version of the great Ernest Ansermet's 1957 stereo version of Petrushka, HDTT has it on sale (30% off through the weekend - $18.20 instead of $26). Bob Wittrack made a direct copy of the 15ips 2 track tape to DSD256 using Pyramix and Hapi. There are also lesser formats for less money. All downloads at HDTT are 30% off. I have the download and it is excellent, better than my vinyl original or Speakers Corner copy. Playing it through my NADAC.

https://www.highdeftapetransfers.com/

Larry