Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures

1	Tango, for chamber orches
2	Suite No. 1, for chamber
3	Suite No. 1, for chamber
4	Suite No. 1, for chamber
5	Suite No. 1, for chamber
6	Suite No. 2, for chamber
7	Suite No. 2, for chamber
8	Suite No. 2, for chamber
9	Suite No. 2, for chamber
10	Concerto in D, for string
11	Concerto in D, for string
12	Concerto in D, for string
13	Concertino, for 12 instru
14	Octet for wind instrument
15	Octet for wind instrument
16	Octet for wind instrument
17	Pieces (3) for string qua
18	Pieces (3) for string qua
19	Pieces (3) for string qua
20	Præludium, for jazz band
21	Ragtime, for 11 instrumen
22	Lied onhe Namen, duet for
23	Fanfare for a New Theater
24	Scherzo à la Russe, for o
Shadow Dances: Stravinsky Miniatures
1.	Tango, for chamber orchestra 3:31
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
2.	Suite No. 1, for chamber orchestra 4:46
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
3.	Suite No. 2, for chamber orchestra 6:10
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
4.	Concerto in D, for string orchestra in D major ("Basel Concerto") 11:51
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
5.	Concertino, for 12 instruments 6:25
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
6.	Octet for wind instruments 14:50
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
7.	Pieces (3) for string quartet 7:25
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
8.	Præludium, for jazz band 1:50
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
9.	Ragtime, for 11 instruments 4:36
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
10.	Lied onhe Namen, duet for 2 bassoons 0:45
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
11.	Fanfare for a New Theater, for 2 trumpets 0:40
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
12.	Scherzo à la Russe, for orchestra 3:44
	Composed by Igor Stravinsky
	Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

Barnes & Noble

Rhythm was Igor Stravinsky's forte; he was second to none in making music leap, bound, and fly through the air, often in ways we never knew were possible. Although his breakthrough came with a series of spectacular ballets, this collection of miniatures shows that the spirit of the dance persisted even in the great modernist's remarkably varied smaller works. The members of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra -- as always, performing without a conductor and all the more alert because of it -- are the corps de ballet in this delightful set of pieces. The program takes in an array of Stravinsky's stylistic twists and turns over a 50-year period, but all the music is marked by his distinctive fingerprints. At the center are two longer neoclassical works, the Concerto in D for strings and the Octet for winds, which allow the sections of the ensemble to shine on their own. Stravinsky's interest in jazz and popular music comes through in the Tango, the Praeludium for jazz ensemble, and the Ragtime, while saxophones also creep into his irresistibly lively "Scherzo à la Russe." The two Suites for Small Orchestra, parades of tiny marches, polkas, and other dances, move with an almost childlike glee, while the less familiar Concertino and Three Pieces for String Quartet have an austere but still invigorating profile. These brilliant performances by Orpheus should fill in some gaps in your Stravinsky collection and bring you out of your seat as well. Scott Paulin

All Music Guide

This collection conveniently brings together many of Stravinsky's short pieces, which are occasionally found as filler on other discs or not at all. Count it as a considerable bonus that these often misplaced miniatures receive lively interpretations here, by one of the world's best chamber ensembles. These compositions are valuable for the insights they give of Stravinsky's varied stylistic developments. His neo-Classical period is well-represented. However, some earlier experiments are included, namely the "Pieces (3) for string quartet" and the "Suites (2)," in which the composer struggled to find new directions. The "Fanfare for a New Theatre," coming late in Stravinsky's career, is the slightest of the selections, but interesting for being his last work associated with ballet. The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra adjusts well to the changing styles and approaches each piece with the right balance of seriousness and mischief. Especially engaging are the "Tango," the "Octet," and the "Ragtime for 11 instruments," where the musicians are allowed a bit more room to stretch out. The closing track, "Scherzo à la Russe," reminiscent of the "Shrove-tide Fair" in "Petrushka," receives the most boisterous performance. The recorded sound is excellent, capturing all the subtle timbral nuances that make this music ingratiating. Blair Sanderson