Stravinsky conducts The Firebird, NY Phil. (final three scenes)

from Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic: The Creative Performer
Aired January 31, 1960

[eileenschwartz]

My father's playing 2nd trumpet! Brings back great memories!

[aldoringo]

Its seems unreal that I can watch stravinsky himself conduct one of his great works. Have I gone back in time, am I dreaming? 😂

[llcamus]

What a privilege to see the composer conduct his work!

[kushgroover]

2:23 Last chair bassoonist proceeds to sniff his bassoon and determine whether it will be suitable to eat after the concert

[LittleB]

When we think about Stravinsky and Firebird it feels like so long time ago and "classic" but, when this recording was made, the masterpiece was barely 50 years old and the composer was still alive. Just like we look back at The Beatles. Amazing.

[zipho]

I love how he gets straight to the point 😂

[Dessert_x_Tat]

11:00 GOOSEBUMPS

Imagine that orchestra playing one of THE most important pieces in the history of music with its maker. Honour. Joy.

[frankvitale]

missing the point. Stravinsky is conducting for the pulse of the music. It was written for a ballet. He understood better than most choreographers that dance is about pulse - propulsion if you will. This version has energy. Many others may be "prettier" but not accurate. This is luminous.

[pvonberg]

Oh Good Lord ! This is FANTASTIC ! Bernstein's introduction, and then Stravinsky himself conducting The Firebird.

[claudiabartelt]

it's a treat to see the composer conducting his own work. Imagine being able to see Shubert or Beethoven do the same.

[antoinebosch]

It is amazing to see Stravinsky conduct his own works, it is a privilege to see the father of modern music communicate his inner world to us directly. Also, Thumbs up for Bernstein who perfectly sums up why we wish to record these masterpieces conducted by the master himself.

[prototropo]

For many years, the melody at 09:54 marked for me the warmest of all moments in classical music. It is the sound of human wistfulness, of equanimity, a lullaby for understanding that this world, for all its tears of grief and gleaming joy, needs us to create the meaning of everything, just as we need music to have a language for meaning.
In this moment Stravinsky nurtures us with more than enough lyricism for life to mean more.

[parislovesrachmaninoff]

This is a seriously incredible and important recording. Thank goodness for maestro stravinsky

[PJGRAND]

The firebird is always been my favorite Stravinsky piece I just ran across this video it's just thrilling to see Stravinsky conducting it because you know you're hearing the definitive version

[donkloos]

This is AWESOME watching Stravinski himself conduct his work into the 21st century...

[sorartificial]

Stravinsky about critics " They can all go to hell" LMAO

[fingerhorn]

Interesting to hear that Stravinsky's speeds are not given to much rubato. He avoids any over-sentimentalised slow downs, and keep things moving. Listen to the short chords towards the end. As always with Stravinsky, the pulse never wavers.

[vanmusician]

I saw Stravinsky conduct this music with the Vancouver Symphony shortly before he died.

[GeraldWilhelmBradenComposer]

It is truly amazing and wonderful to see Maestro Stravinsky conducting his own music, that he composed as a younger man. He walks slowly to the podium as an older man, and is once again transformed to youth at the drop of his baton, and when hearing the first notes of his composition. This is a beautiful fact of art, that ever time a wonderful piece of music is performed, or someone enjoys a painting, sculpture, or literature, the artist is kept alive for ever in our hearts...Peace!

[eldertonlewismusic]

2:22 Completely understand the bassoonist giving his instrument a kiss of reassurance. I too would also feel under pressure and scared whilst playing this