Listen & tracks

4 of 19 tracks have a preview · 2 works · 50:22

The Rite of SpringIgor Stravinsky 14 movements36:17
1. 1 Introduction 3:29
2. 2 Dances of the Young Girls 3:06
3. 3 Ritual of Abduction 1:30
4. 4 Spring Rounds 4:17
5. 5 Ritual of the Rival Tribes 2:08
6. 6 Procession of the Sage :54
7. 7 The Sage :23
8. 8 Dance of the Earth 1:23
9. 9 The Sacrifice: Introduction 4:54
10. 10 Mystic Circles of the Young Girls 3:17
11. 11 Glorification of the Chosen One 1:40
12. 12 Evocation of the Ancestors :44
13. 13 Ritual Action of the Ancestors 3:38
14. 14 Sacrificial Dance (The Chosen One) 4:54
Mother Goose SuiteMaurice Ravel 5 movements14:05
1. 15 Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty 1:16
2. 16 Tom Thumb 2:40
3. 17 Little Ugly, Empress of the Pagodas 3:22
4. 18 Beauty and the Beast 4:04
5. 19 The Fairy Garden 2:43

These are the original four-hand piano versions of both works. Stravinsky published his reduction of The Rite of Spring in 1913, years before the full orchestral score; Ravel wrote Mother Goose for two of his young nieces before later orchestrating it.

The Farren-Prices recorded the programme in a single session at Melba Hall, University of Melbourne, on 5 January 1977.

Reviews

The two compositions are starkly contrasted – The Rite's fiery staccato against the melodic flow of Mother Goose ... this is one of the most important classical recordings issued in Australia for many years.

— Bob Crimeen, The Sun

Stravinsky always worked at the piano, and it is fascinating to hear the score in its original form: some of the instrumental colour may be lost, but none of the music's primitive rhythmic effect.

— W L Hoffmann, The Canberra Times

... it is a first-rate record. The playing of both works is clean, vital, full of character and splendidly disciplined.

— John Sinclair, The Herald

Without doubt, it is an important contribution to the catalog of Australian recorded classics. ... Their performance of 'The Rite' is intense and builds anticipated climaxes strongly.

— Forester, The Age

Artists

Ronald Farren-Price

piano four hands

Ronald Farren-Price is an Australian concert pianist of rare artistry, sensitivity and virtuosity. Clarity of expression and firmness of touch are the hallmarks of his style, which brings bold nobility to each performance.

Rosslyn Farren-Price

piano four hands

Rosslyn Farren-Price graduated from the Melbourne University Conservatorium of Music in 1964. She studied piano with Ronald Farren-Price. As well as teaching she has broadcast a number of times for the ABC radio and television, appeared with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and has lectured for the Council of Adult Education. She now lives in London.

Maurice Ravel

composer

Many consider Maurice Ravel a major composer for the piano as well as a genius of orchestration. It remains a surprise how few works make up his total output for the instrument: all his piano compositions can be performed in under two and a half hours.

Igor Stravinsky

composer

Igor Stravinsky's music cracks open rhythm and colour: pagan rite and puppet theatre, Russian folk bite and cool neoclassical poise. From The Rite of Spring to Petrouchka and The Firebird, the writing still startles the ear.