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. ‘The Firebird’ is luxuriously done, the final apotheosis most moving and the lesser known ‘Two Portraits’ of Bartok are showpieces of instrumental colour, timbre and contrast.
BELA BARTÓK
Two Portraits
IGOR STRAVINSKY
The Firebird
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Christoph von Dohnányi
‘refreshing and illuminating’ Limelight
‘On balance, this is the finest complete Firebird on disc… Christoph von Dohnanyi demonstrates his mastery of this score on every page… The scherzo is light as a feather, the infernal dance is wonderfully menacing but also excitingly athletic, the finale is simply the best ever’ ClassicsToday.com
‘ravishingly beautiful’ Limelight