Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Igor Stravinsky with this captivating album, released on January 1, 2016, under the Orfeo label. Spanning a concise yet impactful 45 minutes, this collection showcases Stravinsky's mastery across classical and neoclassical genres, featuring the powerful orchestral arrangements that have cemented his legacy.
The album opens with Stravinsky's renowned "Symphony of Psalms," a three-movement work that blends ancient texts with modernist composition, highlighting the composer's unique ability to bridge centuries of musical tradition. The symphony is followed by two settings of Paul Verlaine's poetry, "Un grand sommeil noir" and "La lune blanche," which demonstrate Stravinsky's delicate and evocative approach to vocal composition.
The latter half of the album presents three of Stravinsky's most compelling narrative works: "Babel," a dramatic retelling of the biblical story of the Tower of Babel; "Abraham and Isaac," a powerful exploration of faith and sacrifice; and "Elegy for J.F.K.," a poignant tribute to the assassinated American president. Each piece is a testament to Stravinsky's ability to craft compelling stories through music, making this album a journey through some of the most significant and moving works of the 20th century.
Vinylscout