Stravinsky: Petrushka, etc. – BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Fischer

Petrushka follows 2009’s release of Stravinsky’s Firebird and is the second in a three?part series of works from the repertoire of Serge Diaghilev’s Ballets russes, performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Thierry Fischer. This recording encapsulates the vivacity and passion of Stravinsky’s tale of three life?sized puppets, seemingly brought to life.

The disc also features three works by the fellow Russian and Ballets russes composer Anatol Lyadov: dark and dramatic tone poems about Slavic witches and demons in Baba-Yaga and Kikimora, and a tranquil and fairytale?like portrait of the Russian countryside in The Enchanted Lake.

‘This fresh sounding live recording from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under Thierry Fischer, the first made in the BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff, certainly has a sense of occasion about it, with the audience erupting as the final chorale reaches its exultant conclusion.’

BBC Music