The scintillating orchestral effects of Fireworks so impressed Sergey Dyagilev that the impresario was prompted to commission a new work from Stravinsky for his Ballet Russes. Telling of Prince Ivan's fantastic adventures in the demonic Kastchei's magic realm the Firebird is a virtuoso composition in every regard; it's colorful sonorities and dramatic impact brought Stravinsky instant celebrity and led to his successful ballets Petrushka (Naxos 8571222) and the Rite of Spring (Naxos 8571223). This recording has been acclaimed as "polished and brilliant" (Gramophone).

Tracklist:

The Firebird (Original Version): Introduction
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: Night. Kastchei's Enchanted Garden
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: The Firebird Enters, Pursued By Ivan Tsarevich
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: The Firebird's Dance
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: Ivan Tsarevich Captures The Firebird
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: The Firebird Begs To Be Released - Entrance Of The Thirteen Enchanted Princesses
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: The Princesses Play With The Golden Apples (Scherzo) - Ivan Tsarevich Appears
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: The Princesses' Khorovod (Round Dance)
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: Daybreak
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: Ivan Tsarevich, Entering Kastchei's Palace … - The Entrance Of Kastchei The
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: Dance Of Kastchei's Retinue Under The Firebird's Magic Spell
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: Infernal Dance Of Kastchei And His Subjects Under The Firebird's Magic Spell
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 1: The Firebird's Lullaby - Kastchei Awakens - Kastchei's Death - Profonds Tenebr
The Firebird (Original Version): Scene 2: Kastchei's Spell Is Broken, His Palace Disappears, And The Petrified Knights Retur
Feu D'artifice (Fireworks), Op. 4

UPC: 747313122172
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 11.13.12
Format: CD

Gerard Schwarz - Firebird (CD)