The Sound Board

If, one of these days or weeks, you have 40 minutes to spare, give yourself a great musical gift — the greatest possible gift, I’d even say — and listen to the performance of Stravinsky’s “Petrushka’, posted below. “Petrushka”, in my view, is one of the most astounding, perplexing, beautiful, eternally fresh and exhilarating musical creations of the 20th (or any other) century.

Even if not the greatest version ever captured, this version by the Frankfurt Radio Symphony conducted by (Chinese-born New Zealander) Tianyi Lu, is very, very good (in my opinion anyway). And it has the added bonus of a recorded orchestral sound and balance which you don’t always get with recordings intended for commercial release: this recording reveals (and allows you to look at) details and orchestral colours — and thus insights in Stravinsky’s truly insane orchestration talent and skills — you’re less likely to get from listening to CD or some version on Spotify.



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Wow I love everything in this performance, the music, the conductor, the quality of the orchestra and the recording. Thank you Piet for sharing!

Yes totally great performance, recording and videography. I always wanted to study this piece and a big score lies around in my room but I didn't go very far until now. I'm kind of reminded to give it a go again. This is a perfect reference to study with I suppose. Thanks Piet.

I can't listen to the whole thing right now but what I've heard so far is wonderful. Petrushka is probably my favorite Stravinsky piece (neck and neck with Firebird, anyway) and this is quite a cool version, thank you for linking to it!