Stravinsky: 'The Firebird' Suite (1919 version) (with Score)

Igor Stravinsky:
"The Firebird (L'Oiseau de feu)" Suite (1919 version) (with Score)
Composed: 1910 (Ballet); 1919 (Suite)
Conductor: James DePreist
Orchestra: Oregon Symphony

00:00 1. Introduction
03:14 2. The Firebird and its dance (L’Oiseau de feu et sa danse)
03:29 3. The Firebird's variation (Variation de l’Oiseau de feu)
04:48 4. The Princesses’ Khorovod (Rondes des Princesses)
10:06 5. Infernal dance of King Kashchei (Danse infernale de roi Kachtcheï)
14:52 6. Berceuse
18:26 7. Finale (Final)

The Firebird was written for the 1910 Paris season of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes company. Besides the complete 50-minute ballet score of 1909–10, there are three shorter suites arranged by the composer himself for concert performance which date from 1911, 1919, and 1945. 1919 suite was created in Switzerland for conductor Ernest Ansermet. When it was originally published, the score contained many mistakes, which were only fixed in 1985.

[krisfawcett]

When I was a girl of seven or eight, I had a radio with headphones that I listened to as I fell asleep. One night I happened upon the local classical music station that was playing this music. I didn't know anything about it, but I thought it was the most beautiful and magical thing I'd ever heard. For years I wondered about it... now, after 60+ years, the memory comes back to me.

[j]

The Finale means so much to me: achievement, courage, dignity, celebration, and perhaps most simply, truth. More than these mere words can express.

[feanorianmaglor]

Just here after coming home from a concert seeing it performed. I find it much more interesting when you see the musicians playing their parts than just listening. Such a beautiful piece of music. So many haunting melodies.

[cellistry]

Oregon Sym was so fortunate to have James DePriest as conductor. Under his graceful direction, the orchestra produced a crystal clear sound with an interpretation that I dare say matches the composer's intentions.

[jimsciberras]

I performed this once and remembered feeling like we sent that last note into outer space. As if Stravinsky was giving earth a voice that said I AM! I've also performed Petrushka and The Rite of Spring, but this one.

[JamesMeissnertbn]

I listened to the same symphony play this piece live years after this recording and it is truly magical.

[willmorris]

2:03 I love how when the oboe solo is repeated it's the same exact notes but sounds the same because it's reharmonized. Stravinsky was such a genius

[harrybmichell]

12:18 is one of the most amazingly textured bits of music every written, it blows me away every time I hear it

[GeckoBass]

I love how so many people watch this for an audition, just like me. I am for all state orchestra

[Phoenixesper]

10:06 And now I know where Final fantasy 4's battle themes were inspired from, its a near carbon copy of rythym, theme and tone.

[coasterdragon]

just incredible especially the infernal dance

[chicolofi]

How it all came out of the mind of one man is beyond my understanding.

[pnocella]

Excellent recording-bravo Tutti! Especially beautiful horn solo at the beginning of the finale!

[brucefelger]

Nothing says Stravinsky more than 7 flats, and 12/8 time signature, just for starters.

[ytpm-kobs]

Danse infernale
12:30 figure 21
Berceuse
20:15 figure 17

[linceruiz]

Even though it’s quiet, the recording clarity is really good.

[ChaseDonah]

1:54 - 2:40 Is probably the most harmonic thing Stravinsky ever wrote.

[anniefano]

10:09 Aside from that one special of Little Einsteins, I can't unhear a woman screaming.

[pencilxwarrior]

These midroll ads suck so much when you're trying to follow along with your part...

[dryzumd]

@4:55 the point where the music starts in Fantasia 2000 😊