Firebird

About

One of the most impressive calling cards in musical history, The Firebird is a work of such brilliance that it could only have been written by Stravinsky. Telling the tale of the hero, Prince Ivan, and his magic firebird, the music is atmospheric, imaginative and melodious.

Shostakovich's witty Piano Concerto No.1, scored for piano, trumpet and strings, reflects the composer's carefree attitude, full of parodies and jokes to musical slapstick.

Beethoven's Sixth Symphony is imbued with his love of nature. Opening with the tranquillity of bubbling brooks and birdcalls, a thunderstorm violently intrudes, before serenity is restored in the final, uplifting Shepherds' Song of Thanksgiving.

Works and composers:
Beethoven - Symphony No.6 'Pastoral'
Shostakovich - Piano Concerto No.1
Stravinsky - The Firebird (1919)

Elena Schwarz - Conductor
Martin James Bartlett - Piano
Paul Bosworth - Trumpet