Stravinsky – Pulcinella; Divertimento
Toronto Symphony Orchestra; Gustavo Gimeno
Harmonia Mundi HMM905384 (tso.ca/about/orchestra/pulcinella)
It was about time for the TSO to get a regular recording contract with a multinational label. French Harmonia Mundi is now releasing their second disc from the TSO conducted by Gustavo Gimeno.
The disc starts with the fairly rare Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss, Stravinsky’s balletic tribute to Tchaikovsky, a labour of love, mostly based on fragments from songs and piano pieces orchestrated to suggest the very essence of Tchaikovsky’s style, while maintaining a subtle Stravinskian presence.
The orchestration of Pulcinella is far more spare and Neo-classical, providing the clarity and simplicity of combinations of basic colours. The tunes contain frequent ear-worms, largely gleaned from Paisilello and others, which are hard to get out of one’s head. This dynamic performance of the complete ballet features vocal soloists Isabel Leonard (mezzo-soprano), Paul Appleby (tenor), and Derek Welton (bass-baritone).
Canadian Kelly-Marie Murphy was commissioned by the TSO to write Curiosity, Genius and the search for Petula Clark to commemorate Glenn Gould, and the 70th anniversary of his debut as a teenager with the TSO. It was premiered by Peter Oundjian in 2017. Although only 11 minutes in length it is packed with a myriad of brightly scored events, saturated with quicksilver fragments that course by with fierce speed in a stunning orchestral display.
Gimeno leads the orchestra with his usual precision and meticulous control. The sound is perfect to capture the slight resonance of the soundstage giving it a natural depth. The performances are meticulous but also affectionate. Pucinella is less mannered than fun.
This is a most auspicious release and is not to be missed by anyone who cares for this orchestra and their new conductor.
