Rite of Spring, Markevitch Warsaw PO 1962

[Sean]

Wondering if anyone else knows this performance, the definition of blood and violence.

No long review right now but it's in the highest class of music making; the Penguin Guide had a rosette category for exceptional performances transcending their medium, and the Markevitch 1962 is about as far above the rosettes as they are above regular quality performances.

[bhodges]

This actually looks quite interesting, and I assume it is a live recording - which would be a plus for me. How is the sound quality? And curious: from the emblem in the upper left corner, this appear to be part of a series (perhaps) celebrating the orchestra's centennial - would you know?

--Bruce

[Dax]

I'd be interested to hear this. I was brought up on Markevitch's account of the same with the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1960. It seemed to be the best version of the Rite which was around in the 60s.

[Sean]

Hi Brewski and Dax, there are one or two other Markevitch Rites on YT but they don't compare with this. I was going overboard a bit in the first post but there is an extraordinary combination of Dionysian maelstrom with cool calculation here; I haven't quite worked out how to upload to YT myself yet but I could probably get it on a storage site.

A minor allowance has to be made for the recording, having a slight metalic quality to which the ear quickly adjusts, and yes it's live. Perhaps it could be improved slightly with remastering and I find it curious that the works performed aren't noted on the CD cover; it's coupled with some Tchaikovsky and Britten. I bought the CD, something I rarely do these days, but not sure about the series it belongs to...

I came across it on the internet and expected to be switching off after a few minutes but you sense immediately there's something primordial going on- Markevitch must have been in a mood from beyond hell. I had the Stravinsky 1960 on LP, the second Karajan on CD, I admire the Mehta and the Rattle with the BPO, and I've been to an excellent Rattle performance with the CBSO, along with other explorations.

This one however is among the topmost amazing music recordings of all time. Each section is highly characterized and superbly prepared; to cite one moment the high flute entry towards the end of the Dance of the earth is the monster from the id unleashed...

[bhodges]

Thanks much. And as far as the couplings, those could be interesting, too. I'm not such a fan of the Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Overture (who knows - Markevitch could change my mind), but I do like the Britten (The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra) and it would be interesting to hear what he did with that.

I don't think I'll be buying the recording from the US Amazon ($195.00!!) but just browsing, it may be available for less elsewhere. Anyway, appreciate the information.

--Bruce

[Sean]

I've uploaded the recording here; best wishes.

https://app.box.com/s/vs9gfz97r6hbum02bfzvukho8u6re8vy

[vandermolen]

I have this excellent CD but they are different performances:
[asin]B000003XJH[/asin]

[Sean]

Thanks Vandermolen

I've found my recording on YT, in parts beginning here, though there's some loss of sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCYns4EOV2E

Try the end of part one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tno8SnfwD-M

And of part two
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjO5UncD5eM

[david johnson]

I've uploaded the recording here; best wishes.

https://app.box.com/s/vs9gfz97r6hbum02bfzvukho8u6re8vy

I checked out some of that and really like it

[Sean]

Sure thing; it's unique.

[Sean]

Markevitch in a short interview on the Rite here

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycpRm8MW_Xk

[vandermolen]

Thanks Vandermolen

I've found my recording on YT, in parts beginning here, though there's some loss of sound
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCYns4EOV2E

Try the end of part one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tno8SnfwD-M

And of part two
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjO5UncD5eM

Very many thanks - look forward to hearing this.

[MickeyBoy]

Any comparisons with the BBC Legends reissue of Markevitch's Edinburgh Festival performance with the LSO, August 26, 1962?

[Sean]

Thanks Mickey, no idea, though I don't care for the acoustics in the Usher Hall.

[Mandryka]

I've uploaded the recording here; best wishes.

https://app.box.com/s/vs9gfz97r6hbum02bfzvukho8u6re8vy

Thanks. The last time I heard Rite of Spring was in the mid 1990s, in a danced performance at Covent Garden, Haitink I think.

What I was impressed by here was how in the first half Markevich somehow managed to be both free-spirited - Dionysian - and refined. The transitions in the first part felt very seamless and natural. If I'm honest, I can't remember noticing that there was so much emotional variety in the music before. I also appreciate the transparency of it, and how at times it's almost chamber like and intimate, and how he doesn't press the first half too fast forward. That's another aspect of the variety in the music which I'd forgotten about.

The contrast between the delicacy and feeling of Part 1 and the savagery of Part 2 is really underlined in this performance.

I don't know whether it's just me enjoying the  rediscovery, or whether the performance is really as distinguished as you say. But I do know that I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of hearing it, so once again, thanks for taking the trouble to upload it.

[Sean]

Hi Mandryka, indeed sometimes the most mild-mannered people have raging torrents inside them; I'm a bit like that myself I guess.

The Rite of Spring has been much more analysed than properly understood; it unfolds under its own impulses rather than pre-given form and its immense unity as an aesthetic experience is a huge veiled threat to Western thinking and its rationality...

Markevitch lets the music speak as few others have done, particularly in the faster sections.