Stravinsky: Fairy Tales

Igor Stravinsky is known for his legacy of brilliant fairy tales, including beloved classics such as "Petrushka" and "The Firebird." Another favorite is the ballet "Pulcinella," a charming blend of Baroque theatricality, which is heard here in the form of a concert suite. The other works on this program are surprisingly less well-known: the symphonic "Song of the Nightingale" and "The Fairy’s Kiss," which is based on Tchaikovsky’s music, are both drawn from stories by Hans Christian Andersen. A rarity is "The Faun and the Shepherdess," an ancient Greek tale that was Stravinsky’s romantic, sensual gift to his young bride. JoAnn Falletta is music director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and this partnership has produced a wealth of highly successful and much-admired recordings. Russian music is a staple of her repertoire; her recordings of Alexander Scriabin’s Second Symphony and Reinhold Glière’s were enthusiastically received by the press. In total, she has released more than 135 titles. She has been a guest conductor for many of the most prestigious orchestras in America, Canada, Europe, Asia, and South America. Mezzo-soprano Susan Platts is internationally known for her expressive voice and impressive musical presence. A former protégé of Jessye Norman, she worked closely with the legendary soprano for over a decade, which deeply influenced her artistry. Platts is particularly celebrated for her interpretations of Gustav Mahler’s works, including more than 90 performances of his Symphony No. 2.