The centenary of
Igor Stravinsky's Le Sacre du printemps was widely celebrated in 2013, and since then recordings have increased dramatically, suggesting that this groundbreaking ballet has lost none of its power to intrigue and enthrall. Alpha's 2017 recording of a concert by
Krzysztof Urbański and the
NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester offers a vivid performance that is astonishing for its fine details and wonderful sonorities, which make it a recording that serious
Stravinsky fans should experience. In terms of tempos, dynamics, and pacing,
Urbański's interpretation is mainstream and fairly predictable, though his attention to the myriad instrumental combinations, subtle inner parts, and colorful effects makes this performance stand out. Listeners who know Le Sacre du printemps well may anticipate every rhythm and accent, but they will be surprised to hear something new in virtually every measure.
Urbański is alert to the varieties of tones and timbres at his disposal, and the orchestra plays at many levels, at times creating the impression of a tapestry with layers of sound that are almost translucent. This is a performance for connoisseurs of the orchestration who seek a fresh approach, and
Urbański's focused reading of the score makes it extraordinary. Included with the CD is a Blu-ray disc of the performance, filmed at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg on February 17, 2017. Highly recommended.