Pierre Boulez is celebrating his 85th anniversary on the 26th March 2010. He is especially famed for his polished interpretations of twentieth century classics in general and Stravinsky in particular. Clarity, precision, rhythmic agility and a respect for the composers' intentions as notated in the musical score are the hallmarks of his conducting style.
This live performance of Stravinsky’s Firebird under the Pyramid of the Louvre Museum was the culminating point of a “Boulez cycle” at the Louvre - a rare and spectacular setting.
Bonus: Boulez’ introduction to Stravinsky’s Firebird with live musical illustrations by the Orchestre de Paris and historical footage. A once in a lifetime opportunity to see music through the eyes of one of our most famous contemporary composers/conductors Pierre Boulez.
“Pierre Boulez is arguably the most influential and controversial figure in the world of music today. Boulez is known as the young Turk of post-war avant-garde composition who has steadily transformed himself into one of the most authoritative interpreters of standard 19th and 20th-century music.” The Guardian
Sounds formats DVD: PCM Stereo, DD 5.1, DTS 5.1
Region code: 0
Booklet notes: English, German, French
Running time: 51 mins (Performance) + 54 mins (Documentary)
FSK: 0
“Boulez generates unity and inevitability by knitting Stravinsky's motifs together...As a DVD extra [he] leads a 50-minute "all you need to know about the Firebird" lecture, pulling the piece apart and showing how Stravinsky makes the orchestra sound like no-one else.” Gramophone Magazine, November 2010
