A collection of music for strings, including the first complete appearance of a rare LP by the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and Rudolf Barshai of music by Bartók (one of the most invigorating “Divertimento” recordings ever made). Vivaldi is coupled with a selection of gleaming ‘Visions Fugitives’ (arranged by Barshai from Prokofiev’s piano pieces) and the first appearance on CD of Hindemith’s languid Five Pieces, Op. 44 No. 4.
PAUL HINDEMITH
Fünf Stücke, Op. 44 No. 4*
SERGEI PROKOFIEV
Visions Fugitives, Op. 22 (arr. Rudolf Barshai for string orchestra)
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Neville Marriner
BELA BARTÓK
Divertimento for Strings, Sz. 113*
ANTONIO VIVALDI:
Concerto in B minor, Op. 3 No. 10 from L’estro armonico*
Concerto in D minor, Op. 3 No. 11 from L’estro armonico*
Moscow Chamber Orchestra
Rudolf Barshai
* FIRST RELEASE ON CD
‘This is a performance [Bartók] of consummate virtuosity, bristling with energy and tension. The Moscow ensemble tears into this music with tremendous abandon and breathtaking control and acute sensitivity to colour’ International Record Review
‘The playing of Barshai and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra [Vivaldi] is fresh and brilliant (technically it is impeccable)’ *** Penguin Guide