For too long absent from the catalogue, Dohnanyi’s pair of recordings coupling Stravinsky and Bartok present him and the Vienna Philharmonic at their scintillating, dramatic best. Here is one of the most exciting accounts of ‘Petrushka’ ever to be committed to disc and the sordid tale of ‘The Miraculous Mandarin’ is sharply etched in this vigorous performance.
BELA BARTÓK
The Miraculous Mandarin
IGOR STRAVINSKY
Petrushka
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Christoph von Dohnányi
‘refreshing and illuminating … blistering playing’ Limelight
‘[Bartok] Dohnanyi doesn’t spare them a bit: the chase is one of the most exciting on disc, while the subsequent attack and attempted murder of the Mandarin (with terrifying organ sound) will make your hair stand on end… It’s a great performance, and so is the Petrushka… Sonically this stands among Decca’s best recordings from this source. A sensational reissue, and a bargain to boot’ ClassicsToday.com
‘First-rate performances of two of the most exciting scores in the twentieth-century ballet repertoire … the VPO’s playing is excellent … a splendid reissue that can be confidently recommended’ MusicWeb