Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring & Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition Pentaèdre Ensemble

• Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971): Le sacre de printemps (The Rite of Spring)
• 1 Part I: L'Adoration de la Terre 12:40
• 2 Part II: Le Sacrifice 09:06
• Modest Petrowitsch Mussorgski (1839-1881): Pictures at an Exhibition
• 3 Promenade 01:25
• 4 I. Gnomus 02:47
• 5 Promenade 00:57
• 6 II. Old Castle 04:05
• 7 Promenade 00:31
• 8 III. Tuileries 01:03
• 9 IV. Bydlo 02:46
• 10 Promenade 00:48
• 11 V. Ballet of the Chickens in their Shells 01:20
• 12 VI. Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle 02:26
• 13 Promenade 01:16
• 14 VII. The Market-Place at Limoges 01:33
• 15 VIII. Catacombae (Sepulcrum romanum) 01:50
• 16 VIII. Con mortuis in lingua mortua 01:53
• 17 IX. The Hut on Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yaga) 03:25
• 18 X. The Great Gate at Kiev 04:20
• Total Runtime 54:11

Info for Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring & Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition

Canadian quintet Pentaèdre tackles the rhythmic complexities and melodic nuances in wind transcriptions of two works by Russian composers, Igor Stravinsky and Modest Mussorgsky.

Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring is surprisingly musically successful in this wind transcription by Michael Byerly. Shorter in length here than the original composition, the flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and horn parts are remarkable in their loyalty to the original score. The driving rhythmic patterns and twirling melodies that shocked audiences when first performed continue to shock and amaze here. The quintet is a tightly knit ensemble which works to its advantage in this colourful and virtuosic performance.

In contrast, the Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition is, though performed exquisitely, not as successful. The transcription by Stéphane Mooser is perhaps too much of a good thing here as his goal was to expand the wind instruments’ tonal palate in contrast to his liner notes comment that “the other existing versions for wind quintet are too limited in colour range.” These occasional dense sections take away from the overall beautiful phrasing and melodies of both performance and individual parts.

The high production quality allows for each wind instrument to sound “live.” Pentaèdre needs to be congratulated for expanding the woodwind repertoire with these transcriptions of audience-loved works. The ensemble’s fresh musical approach and technical acumen brings new life to established repertoire.

„Aside from the excellent and often sensuous playing of the individual members, Pentaèdre has a wonderful corporate sound. They are past masters of balance and blend…“ (Richard Todd, The Ottawa Citizen)

„…a charming collection of music for wind quintet performed by a group that plays with finesse and great technical prowess….really demonstrates how well these five musicians work together.“ (Richard Burke, Fanfare)

Pentaedre Ensemble

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