Phils 8: Hindson, Debussy, Stravinsky

Hindson: Violin Concerto No. 1, "Australian Postcards"
Lara St. John; Sarah Ioannides, Royal Philharmonic
Ancalagon 133

A world premiere recording of a recent concerto (2001) with a dynamic soloist, full-blooded Royal Philharmonic, and rich balanced engineering is just the way to hear any work for the first time. Also on the album: John Corigliano's Suite from The Red Violin, and a dazzling arrangement of Liszt's Totentanz (Dance of Death) arranged for violin and orchestra. Ancalagon is a label new to me, but the album can be ordered through Amazon.com or via Lara St. John's website.
 

Debussy: La Mer
Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic
EMI

Rattle delivers the epitome of Impressionism, the essence of which is mood and atmosphere. The mists lift, day dawns, the waves play, and the sea rages with transparency, fluency, and power. The recording engineers give Rattle a full palate upon which to paint. The other works on the album are just as good.
 

Stravinsky: Firebird Suite (1919)
Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic
Sony Classical (CBS)

Look no further. Bernstein was on fire when he made this recording in 1957, igniting the New York Philharmonic into a virtuoso performance that makes it sound like the world’s greatest orchestra as it moves from the deeply atmospheric opening with rich, ominous string basses; lingers ripely in the princess’ romance; explodes into an Infernal Dance that builds to incredible intensity; and then relaxes into a rapturously languid lullaby before reaching the exultant finale. Those adjectives describe the quality of strings, winds, brass, and percussion, wrapped in perfect ensemble and stunning sound. This is Bernstein at his very best.

WebTips: The Bernstein is available on CDs labeled both Sony Classical and CBS (Sony’s predecessor). This is not to be confused with Bernstein’s later Israel Philharmonic recording on Deutsche Grammophon.