Igor Stravinsky

1-24
L’Oiseau de Feu
Conte dansé en deux tableaux
(version 1910)

25-31
Chant du Rossignol
Poème symphonique pour orchestre
(1917)

Glossa, primarily known for its outstanding early music productions, now presents two new releases and a new partnership with the Flemish Radio Orchestra (VRO) and Choir (VRK): two superb ensembles focusing primarily on repertoires from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Technically speaking, this series also introduces Glossa’s first hybrid SACDs for high-end audio fans. This top-quality surround audio approach makes the listening experience even more rich and pleasurable – an exquisitely balanced symphony orchestra and an elite contemporary chamber choir are certainly two examples where the extra production costs make sense.

The Flemish Radio Orchestra’s chief conductor is Yoel Levi, who worked for many years with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This new relationship will also involve frequent collaboration with guest conductors such as Gerd Albrecht, Hervé Niquet and others. In the past few years, strong relationships have been built with the film industry and with film composers such as Maurice Jarre, Howard Shore, Danny Elfman, Ennio Morricone, Michel Legrand and John Debney. This line of work is also expected to yield some exciting results within the Glossa/VRO-VRK partnership in the coming months.

The debut recording of the new series comprises Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird (complete 1910 version) and Chant du Rossignol, and was produced with the firm intention of putting benchmark interpretations on the market. For more than 70 minutes, the wide dynamic range, infinite timbrical nuances and expressive depth of Stravinsky’s orchestral music are explored and provide a deeply enriching listening experience.

And, last but not least, the breathtaking beauty of the work of Glossa’s designer, Valentín Iglesias and his 00:03:00 office, merits mention. It provides the perfect visual basis for this new adventure with two of Europe’s most exquisite and forward-looking ensembles.