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Review by Ernani71 May 5, 2011 (10 of 19 found this review helpful)
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This is not the volcanic performance of the Rite I was hoping for. Extra bass can't make up for a lack of brutality. The percussionist (actually, I think there should be two of them, but I'll treat them as one) is a great disappointment. He's almost dainty. Yes, the bass is deep, yes it's loud. But it's not how loud it sounds that makes the difference; it's HOW he STRIKES the drum head that I find a great annoyance. It might give all you old fogies at SA_CD.net a heart attack to hear how I want this piece played, but Litton's conducting, no matter how skillful, is weak, weak, weak! We need someone with more courage (like Stravinsky himself).
As I listened to Petrushka, which is placed first on the disc, I was immediately impressed by the playing of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. This is a good piece to hear the members individually, and one by one they took to the spotlight with aplomb. On the negative side, I found myself missing the expressivity of Stravinsky's version, which brings the character of Petrushka much more to life.
At first I was shocked by how good the sonics are on this BIS disc. Each instrument is clearly delineated in a beautifully laid-out soundstage. I was also struck by how smooth and warm the sound is, and by the excellent dynamics. Unfortunately, as I kept listening, something began grating on me. This is a recording that just begs you to reach for the potentiometer and turn the volume up. However, doing so revealed a slight harshness, particularly during the thickest passages.
No, this is not my ideal Rite, not by far, even though I'm glad I listened to it. I already have listened to it several times. I like it less and less, despite all there is to admire.
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