This new recording of Stravinsky’s “Petrouchka” by the Sinfornieorchester Basel is the third and final installment in conductor Dennis Russell Davies’ Stravinsky trilogy. In this project, the orchestra has recorded Stravinsky’s three major ballets in a version for orchestra and piano duet. Stravinsky originally planned this composition as a Piano Concerto. After the idea of a ballet from Sergei Diaghilev, Stravinsky rewrote the music about Petrushka, the Russian carnival figure. The piece was first performed at the Theatre du Chatalet in June of 1911. Critics hailed the work as a genius combination of music, dance, and painting. In addition to the orchestral score, Stravinsky wrote a piano version, which has gained increasing popularity. Dennis Russell Davies has been chief conductor of the Sinfonieorchester Basel since 2009. In addition to the Stravinsky trilogy he has led the ensemble in numerous other recordings. He also performs on the piano version on this release, alongside partner Maki Namekawa.
