Audition: Stravinsky: Petrushka - Stokowski

 Petrushka - Stokowski 

Philadelphia Orchestra

Recorded: 19 April 1937

The sound is mono but very good, as is the playing and crucially the orchestral balance is especially good. Remarkable given the restrictions in recordings in those days. 

The side joins are well hidden too. It’s a beefy representation though as Dutton sleeve note says Stokowski was later to slim things down. 

The first Tableau sets offered a cracking pace and there’s no want of alacrity in the orchestra. 

The magic trick and the Russian dance are exemplary with gorgeous playing horns at figure 42 - very little is left unheard.

There are several minor miracles in the recording, playing and interpretation. Stokowski reveals menace, suspense and humour from his orchestra as well as keeping the progress spritely and spirited.

There are some extraordinary efforts in the waltz in the third tableau - making this one of the most colourful readings of this part of the score. 

The fourth tableau starts with a huge dissonant chord and throughout the conjures up wonderful effects sometimes contrary to the score. 

It’s a magnificent reading and a generation after the premiere these are amazing sonics too putting to bed the idea that these orchestras were somehow lesser than those which followed them

Interpretation 10 out of 10 

Performance 10 out of 10 (but there are some lapses) and 

Recording 10 out of 10.