Stravinsky – Rite of Spring;
Moussorgski – Pictures at an Exhibition
Pentaèdre
ATMA ACD2 2687
Canadian quintet Pentaèdre tackles the rhythmic complexities and melodic nuances in wind transcriptions of two works by Russian composers, Igor Stravinsky and Modest Mussorgsky.
Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring is surprisingly musically successful in this wind transcription by Michael Byerly. Shorter in length here than the original composition, the flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon and horn parts are remarkable in their loyalty to the original score. The driving rhythmic patterns and twirling melodies that shocked audiences when first performed continue to shock and amaze here. The quintet is a tightly knit ensemble which works to its advantage in this colourful and virtuosic performance.
In contrast, the Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition is, though performed exquisitely, not as successful. The transcription by Stéphane Mooser is perhaps too much of a good thing here as his goal was to expand the wind instruments’ tonal palate in contrast to his liner notes comment that “the other existing versions for wind quintet are too limited in colour range.” These occasional dense sections take away from the overall beautiful phrasing and melodies of both performance and individual parts.
The high production quality allows for each wind instrument to sound “live.” Pentaèdre needs to be congratulated for expanding the woodwind repertoire with these transcriptions of audience-loved works. The ensemble’s fresh musical approach and technical acumen brings new life to established repertoire.
