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Stravinsky's The Firebird in Building a Library with Kate Molleson and Andrew McGregor

In Building a Library, Kate Molleson chooses her favourite recording of Stravinsky's ballet The Firebird. Plus, William Mival with an exciting pile of new releases.

Andrew McGregor with the best new recordings of classical music.

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William Mival brings an exciting pile of new releases to the studio

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Building a Library

Kate Molleson chooses her favourite recording of Stravinsky's ballet, the Firebird.

The Firebird was written for the 1910 Paris season of Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes company with a scenario based on the Russian fairy tales of the Firebird and the blessing and curse it possesses for its owner. It was a huge success, launching Stravinsky to international fame. Set in the wicked immortal Koschei's castle, the ballet tells the story of Prince Ivan, who fights Koschei with the help of the magical Firebird.

Recommended version
Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Charles Dutoit
Decca 4144092

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Record of the Week: Andrew’s top pick

12 days left to listen

1 hour, 59 minutes

Last on

Sat 11 May 2024 14:00
BBC Radio 3

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Ravel Piano Concerto for the Left Hand with Jeremy Sams and Andrew McGregor

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Debussy's Jeux in Building a Library with Flora Willson and Andrew McGregor

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Music Played

  • Anonymous

    U'Ciucciu

    Singer: Valerio Contaldo. Ensemble: Cappella Mediterranea. Conductor: Leonardo García Alarcón.
    • Alpha.

  • Florent Schmitt

    Les Enchantements sur La Mer (La Tragédie de Salomé)

    Orchestra: Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Alain Altinoglu.
    • Alpha.

  • Louise Farrenc

    Symphony no.3 in G minor (1st mvt)

    Orchestra: Philzuid. Conductor: Duncan Ward.
    • Fuga Libera.

  • Robert Schumann

    Piano Quintet in E flat major Op.44 (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Peter Donohoe. Ensemble: Sacconi Quartet.
    • Signum.

  • Richard Strauss

    Piano Quartet in C minor Op.13 (2nd mvt)

    Performer: Nathanaël Gouin. Ensemble: Trio Arnold.
    • B Records.

  • Anton Bruckner

    Symphony no.9 in D minor (3rd mvt)

    Orchestra: Bamberg Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Jakub Hrůša.
    • Accentus Music.

  • Edvard Grieg

    Butterfly (Lyric pieces - book 3 Op.43)

    Performer: Andrey Gugnin.
    • Grieg: Holberg Suite, Ballade & Lyric Pieces.
    • Hyperion.
    • 27.

  • Edvard Grieg

    Little Bird (Lyric pieces - book 3 Op.43)

    Performer: Andrey Gugnin.
    • Grieg: Holberg Suite, Ballade & Lyric Pieces.
    • Hyperion.
    • 30.

  • Domenico Cimarosa

    Ne giorni tuoi felici (L'Olimpiade)

    Singer: Maite Beaumont. Singer: Rocío Pérez. Performer: Christophe Rousset. Orchestra: Les Talens Lyriques.
    • Chateau de Versailles.

  • Johann Sebastian Bach

    Partita No.5 in G, BWV 829

    Performer: Martin Helmchen.
    • Alpha.

  • Ludwig van Beethoven

    Symphony No.8 in F, Op.93 iv. Allegro vivace

    Orchestra: Potsdam Chamber Academy. Conductor: Antonello Manacorda.
    • Sony.

Broadcast

  • Sat 11 May 2024 14:00
    BBC Radio 3

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