You've probably already seen today's G logo honoring Igor Stravinsky's birthday...
If you don't know the musical works of this genius, IMO you've missed some incredible experiences. Stravinsky can so totally capture the primal, human spirit in his classical works - he pushed far past the traditional classic 'lovely' into a realm that evokes a more visceral reaction - a breathlessness, anticipation and glorious peaks on a level far above his musical predecessors. He challenged 'what music is' by expanding harmonic sounds far past traditional tonalities.
Thank goodness for the music lovers & geeks who upload vintage works to YouTube. Following some G links, I spent a long while tonight relishing in Stravinsky's amazing music.
Stravinsky conducting Firebird at age 82. (Hang in until about minute 5 where it really takes off.)
Psalm III from Symphony of Psalms (a work that made me cry the first time I heard it - and still does).
And Stravinsky's most famous work - The Rite of Spring - which caused riots in Paris when it was premiered nearly a century ago.
The recording by the LA Philharmonic, conducted by Isaa-Pekka Solonen, is simply superb. It was recorded during the premier performance at the Frank Gehry designed Disney Concert Hall.
Part 1 (Sublime)
Part II
Part III
Part IV (Awesome & Seductive)
Part V (Frenzied, fantastic climax)
I know we're all rushed during our hectic days, but I hope a few folks will take a few minutes and bathe in the exhilarating sounds of this musical genius.
If you don't know the musical works of this genius, IMO you've missed some incredible experiences. Stravinsky can so totally capture the primal, human spirit in his classical works - he pushed far past the traditional classic 'lovely' into a realm that evokes a more visceral reaction - a breathlessness, anticipation and glorious peaks on a level far above his musical predecessors. He challenged 'what music is' by expanding harmonic sounds far past traditional tonalities.
Thank goodness for the music lovers & geeks who upload vintage works to YouTube. Following some G links, I spent a long while tonight relishing in Stravinsky's amazing music.
Stravinsky conducting Firebird at age 82. (Hang in until about minute 5 where it really takes off.)
Psalm III from Symphony of Psalms (a work that made me cry the first time I heard it - and still does).
And Stravinsky's most famous work - The Rite of Spring - which caused riots in Paris when it was premiered nearly a century ago.
The recording by the LA Philharmonic, conducted by Isaa-Pekka Solonen, is simply superb. It was recorded during the premier performance at the Frank Gehry designed Disney Concert Hall.
Part 1 (Sublime)
Part II
Part III
Part IV (Awesome & Seductive)
Part V (Frenzied, fantastic climax)
I know we're all rushed during our hectic days, but I hope a few folks will take a few minutes and bathe in the exhilarating sounds of this musical genius.
