Electric Picture: The Firebird, The Rite of Spring, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun DVD

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Overview

Electric Picture: The Firebird, The Rite of Spring, Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun presents three landmark compositions of the early 20th century, brought to life by the acclaimed Orchestre de Paris under the direction of Grammy-winning conductor Paavo Järvi. Filmed live at Paris’s historic Salle Pleyel, this concert DVD transports viewers into the heart of musical innovation, capturing works that challenged and expanded the boundaries of classical music.

The program opens with Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite, a piece originally composed for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in 1910, which launched Stravinsky’s international career. With a combination of lyrical melodies, dynamic rhythms, and dramatic orchestration, The Firebird enchanted audiences from its first performance. In 1919, Stravinsky revisited the ballet to create a suite for a smaller orchestra, capturing the essence of the original with an even greater focus on its fiery finale. Under Järvi’s masterful interpretation, the Orchestre de Paris skillfully brings out both the warmth and intensity of this celebrated suite, offering a performance that is both technically exquisite and emotionally stirring.

The concert continues with The Rite of Spring, Stravinsky’s revolutionary 1913 work that redefined musical modernism. Subtitled “Pictures of Pagan Russia,” The Rite of Spring presents a vivid depiction of ancient Slavic rituals through a series of musical tableaux that pulse with primal energy. Featuring syncopated rhythms, atonal harmonies, and complex layers of sound, Stravinsky’s score evokes the brutal power and raw beauty of early pagan culture, culminating in the notorious “Sacrificial Dance.” This performance captures the work’s full intensity, with Järvi drawing from the orchestra the intricate, fast-paced changes and rhythmic dissonance that shocked and electrified audiences at its premiere.

The program concludes with Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, a masterpiece of musical impressionism. Inspired by Stéphane Mallarmé’s poem of the same name, Debussy composed the Prelude as a symphonic poem that mirrors the languid, dreamlike quality of the faun’s afternoon reverie. The piece is renowned for its flowing lines, ethereal tonalities, and subtle orchestration, which evoke a timeless, pastoral world. Järvi’s interpretation captures the delicacy and nuance of Debussy’s writing, transporting listeners to a serene, otherworldly landscape through lush textures and fluid, overlapping rhythms.

With its beautifully restored sound and visuals, this DVD offers an unparalleled experience of three pivotal works in the orchestral repertoire. Each performance showcases Paavo Järvi’s ability to bring out the finest details of complex compositions, from Stravinsky’s revolutionary approach to rhythm and orchestration to Debussy’s evocative tonal landscapes. This Electric Picture recording not only celebrates the brilliance of Stravinsky and Debussy but also affirms the Orchestre de Paris’s place as one of Europe’s leading orchestras. A must-watch for classical music lovers and collectors alike, this DVD captures the power and beauty of music that forever changed the classical tradition.

Product Features

• Music Works:Performers: Orchestre de Paris, Concertmaster Philippe Aïche
  • The Firebird Suite (L'Oiseau de feu) by Igor Stravinsky
  • The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du printemps) by Igor Stravinsky
  • Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun (Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune) by Claude Debussy
• Conductor: Paavo Järvi
• Filming Location: Salle Pleyel, Paris
• Recording Dates: September and November 2012
• TV Directors: Sébastien Glas, Corentin Leconte
• Co-producers: LGM Télévision, Orchestre de Paris, Arte France, Mezzo
• Executive Producers: Myriam Mazouzi, Pierre-Martin Juban
• Audio Formats: LPCM Stereo, 5.1 DTS Digital Surround
• TV Format: NTSC
• Region Code: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Running Time: 74 minutes

Interesting Facts

• The Firebird: Composed by Igor Stravinsky for Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes in 1910, The Firebird premiered in Paris to great acclaim, marking Stravinsky’s rise to fame. The 1919 suite, performed here, was adapted for a smaller orchestra, condensing the ballet’s grandeur while preserving its powerful finale.
• The Rite of Spring: Stravinsky’s third collaboration with Diaghilev, The Rite of Spring, shattered musical conventions with its innovative dissonance, shifting rhythms, and primal themes. Its scandalous 1913 premiere sparked a riot, yet it remains a landmark in music history for its intense evocation of ritualistic energy.
• Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun: Debussy’s symphonic poem, inspired by the Mallarmé poem, reflects the impressionistic movement in music, creating a dreamy, timeless atmosphere through flowing orchestration, irregular rhythms, and delicate tonal shifts. It’s widely regarded as a transformative piece, influencing many composers to explore similar impressionistic styles.

Publishers

• Label: Electric Picture Company, in collaboration with LGM Télévision, Orchestre de Paris, Arte France, and Mezzo

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