Stravinsky: The Firebird & Fireworks

The scintillating orchestral effects of Fireworks so impressed Sergey Dyagilev that the impresario was prompted to commission a new work from Stravinsky for his Ballet Russes. Telling of Prince Ivan's fantastic adventures in the demonic Kastchei's magic realm the Firebird is a virtuoso composition in every regard; it's colorful sonorities and dramatic impact brought Stravinsky instant celebrity and led to his successful ballets Petrushka (Naxos 8571222) and the Rite of Spring (Naxos 8571223). This recording has been acclaimed as "polished and brilliant" (Gramophone).