Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé: Suite No. 2; Rapsodie Espagnole; Stravinsky: Chant du Rossignol; L'Oiseau de Feu: Suite

• Main performer: Lorin Maazel
• Booklet languages: English
• Time: 79:57

Review

Drawn from the NYPO's 2006 -2007 season, this collection of live performances captures the essence of conductor Lorin Maazel's tenure with the esteemed orchestra. Under Maazel's hands, each player, every section, indeed, the whole orchestra, performs as one magnificent instrument, delivering technically breathtaking performances. However, Maazel tends to bend phrases, tweak tempos, add un-notated pauses, editorialize balances, and otherwise do whatever he wants with the scores in front of him. The result is a recording that will delight listeners drawn to the magnificence of the ensemble and brilliant execution, but which also may frustrate those who are familiar enough with the music to notice how determined Maazel seems to stamp each work with his particular vision. One might admire the ride, but it may be harder to warm to the performances. DG's live sound is stupendous: transparent, translucent, and transcendent. Beyond all doubt, this is the sound of the New York Philharmonic in Avery Fischer Hall. ~ James Leonard, Rovi

Performances

Composer	Title	Time
Maurice Ravel	Daphnis et Chloé, suite No. 2 for orchestra	17:29
Maurice Ravel	Rhapsodie espagnole, for orchestra (or 2 pianos)	16:53
Igor Stravinsky	Chant du rossignol (Song of the Nightingale), symphonic poem for piano (reduction)	22:39
Igor Stravinsky	L'oiseau de feu (The Firebird), concert suite for orchestra No. 2	22:56

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