Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird, complete ballet · Richard Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel – Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra

Jansons and OPO live.

Originally inteded as an opera – even going as far as preparing a draft libretto – Strauss´ Till Eugenspiel, based on the historical figure of the same name (if, indeed, one did exist), centres on the fourteenth century merry prankster, who got himself into many scrapes. He was even sentenced to death on more than one occasion, but Till always quick-witted enough to avoid the scaffold. In Strauss´ version, however, he is not so lucky. Stravinsky´s ballet ´The Firebird´, on the other hand, delves deep into the magical and mythical realms. Centred on the journey of its hero, Prince Ivan, who, while huning in the forest, strays into the magical realm of the evil magician Kashchey. Into the enchanted garden flies the Firebird, a magnificent creature, glowing with light, pursued by Prince Ivan. Fascinated by the Firebird, Ivan is determined to capture her.

Mariss Jansons held the position as the music director of the Oslo Philharmonic from 1979 to 2000, an orchestra with which he performed, recorded and toured extensively. Recordings of Tchaikovsky´s symphonies for Chandos in the 1980s were to prove a major international breakthrough for Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic. Later, more than twenty releases over a ten year span were acclaimed by music critics the world over, and won several awards. This recording is the first ever live recording by Mariss Jansons and Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra.