This recording is the first of a three-volume Stravinsky series recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra with then Principal Conductor (now Conductor Emeritus) Vladimir Jurowski.

This series will be released chronologically, following Jurowski’s year long Stravinsky festival with the LPO in 2018, Changing Faces. The festival surveyed Stravinsky’s works, programmed chronologically alongside the composer’s contemporaries.

Two cornerstone Stravinsky works launch this series: The Rite of Spring and The Firebird (his original ballet score from 1910).

The Firebird featured in Jurowski’s first scheduled concert conducting the LPO back in March 2002. This recording comes from a 2018 Royal Festival Hall performance, described as “a masterpiece” (Evening Standard) during his Changing Faces festival. The Rite of Spring comes from an earlier Royal Festival Hall concert in 2008.

Vladimir Jurowski is one of today’s most sought-after conductors. His LPO performances from Stravinsky’s catalogue covered his 20-year association with the Orchestra, culminating in him including Stravinsky’s Jeu de cartes in the programme of his final concert as Principal Conductor in August 2021.

Stravinsky’s music in the hands of Jurowski delivers live in concert a focus and clarity that is beautifully preserved and realised on these recordings.