As a teenager, Yannick Nézet-Séguin was not particularly impressed by Stravinski's scandalous Sacre du Printemps, his preference was rather for German romanticism. It was not until 2009 that the then established Nézet-Séguin conducted the ballet for the first time, and then he found it overwhelming. Since the start of the 2012-13 season, Nézet-Séguin has led the Philadelphia Orchestra, the
… orchestra that gave the American premiere of Le Sacre in 1922, conducted by Stokowski. Stokowski also conducted the first American studio recording (1929). No wonder that Nézet-Séguin chose the epoque-making ballet for his debut CD with Deutsche Grammophon, if only as a tribute to the history of his current orchestra. This performance is also overwhelming, which sometimes borders on effectualism. Especially the power in the second part is impressive, the little Canadian can deliver a good punch. More tribute to Stokowski follows on this CD, including his arrangements of the Passacaglia and Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor. As orchestral pieces, these arrangements are certainly effective, although they are gradually becoming dated. (HJ)more
