Album: Nettle & Markham, Stravinsky: the Rite of Spring; Petrushka (Netmark)

On this 1984 recording, Stravinsky's celebrated ballets are rearranged for four-handed piano recital according to the composer's own transcriptions, originally used for rehearsals with Debussy. Under piano duo Nettle & Markham's attentions, the rhythmic intensity of The Rite Of Spring comes across more dramatically through the pounding piano chords than with the usual percussion of the orchestral arrangement, while the chattering industry of the riffing piano seems more focused and modern. Petrushka is less innovative than the Rite, though again, the piano setting brings the animations of the three puppets to life in a more pronounced manner than usual.

Download this: The Rite Of Spring