Stravinsky: Symphony of Psalms

Stravinsky composed his Symphony of Psalms in 1930, after Serge Koussevitzky commissioned him to write a work to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Originally conceived as a purely orchestral work, Stravinsky had been reading the verses of Psalm 39, and considered setting them in Old Slavonic before deciding on Latin. Scored for an orchestra without violins, violas and clarinets, the sound is solemn and austere. The work was premiered in Brussels under Ernest Ansermet -- Koussevitzky being ill at the time. Despite receiving the commission from Koussevitzky, relations between conductor and composer were frosty. The title page bears the inscription 'Composed to the glory of God... dedicated to the Boston Symphony Orchestra' with no mention of Koussevitzky, which no doubt needled the conductor. Lili Boulanger, sister of Nadia, the friend and associate of Stravinsky, was born in 1893. During her short life, she suffered from bronchial pneumonia which led to her premature death in 1918; she composed an opera and many chamber and orchestral works of high quality. It is, however, her choral music upon which her reputation lies, especially the six psalm settings -- three of which are included on this CD. Her music looks forward to composers such as Stravinsky, Honegger and even Messiaen, and her early death robbed the musical world of one of its most promising and original voices. Further information: Digital recording from 1999. 'A smooth but powerful reading of the Stravinsky that more than holds its own against stiff competition.' Gramophone. Comprehensive booklet notes, and sung texts Conductor: John Eliot Gardiner Contralto: Sally Bruce-Payne Tenor: Julian Podger Chorus: Monteverdi Choir Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra