Stravinsky conducts The Firebird, NY Phil. (final three scenes)

from Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic: The Creative Performer
Aired January 31, 1960

[@eileenschwartz7460]

My father's playing 2nd trumpet! Brings back great memories!

[@johnrandolph6121]

Cool! Funny thing is, my father played second clarinet in the Houston Symphony at about the same time played The Firebird under Stravinsky. Unfortunately that performance wasn't preserved on film.

[@charlielavin5818]

Damn! Historic

[@es_ist_unmoeglich]

wow so cool...

[@nichenzhe8518]

2:20 the guy in the middle?

[@eileenschwartz7460]

@@johnrandolph6121 Oh I'm so sorry!

[@aldoringo439]

Its seems unreal that I can watch stravinsky himself conduct one of his great works. Have I gone back in time, am I dreaming? 😂

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

He died in 1971 but seems like he was from a different time.

[@lucashamilton4674]

I feel like this too!!!!

[@insertnamehere15253]

And to have him be introduced by Leonard Bernstein

[@AutPen38]

It's almost as cool as when Beethoven was on Letterman.

[@kimberlyhonig8030]

Right?! I love this so much

[@llcamus249]

What a privilege to see the composer conduct his work!

[@billgroze3353]

so much of the orchestra ... bernstein never told the editor what was in front of him...

[@zipho5935]

I love how he gets straight to the point 😂

[@kushgroover54]

2:23 Last chair bassoonist proceeds to sniff his bassoon and determine whether it will be suitable to eat after the concert

[@paulbachem338]

Kush Groover, TheDesirer282 I think he licks it!

[@eringehlbach1069]

@@paulbachem338 He's actually blowing air out of the tone holes so you get a clear sound without the water inside the instrument

[@georgealderson4424]

@@eringehlbach1069 That is interesting Erin. What happens if this is not done eg does it make a gurgling sound or something similar?

[@richardhoenich9338]

@@georgealderson4424 An accumulation of water in a tone hole can indeed produce a gurgle accompanied by a distortion of the expected pitch. Of course, those always seem to reveal themselves in the most exposed, sensitive passages.

[@georgealderson4424]

@@richardhoenich9338 Thanks for that interesting information Richard. I supposr there may be times when those watery sounds may be appropriate eg Smetana's Valtava or Debussy's La Mer (apologies if my appaling spelling is down to my usual standard by the way!

[@LittleB2007]

When we think about Stravinsky and Firebird it feels like so long time ago and "classic" but, when this recording was made, the masterpiece was barely 50 years old and the composer was still alive. Just like we look back at The Beatles. Amazing.

[@frankvitale5954]

missing the point. Stravinsky is conducting for the pulse of the music. It was written for a ballet. He understood better than most choreographers that dance is about pulse - propulsion if you will. This version has energy. Many others may be "prettier" but not accurate. This is luminous.

[@LuminousMusicStudios-Glasgow]

Yes FV!!!! Spot on. Stravinsky's music was written for the motion, movement, momentum. Drama takes care of itself for his music was never not chock full of surprising adventure and drama. Stravinsky's music is the body. In his heart I'm sure it always is dance itself.

[@akshaygowrishankar7440]

Firebird and Le Sacre are my personal favorite pieces ever.

[@adamlykkegaard7289]

The russian Style of conducting (the tradition from Witch Stravinsky came) is much more minimal. Only the most imortant things are left in. No bullshit

[@whoismithrandir8226]

Stravinsky is a true legend

[@hosseinfouladi4703]

@Jeb Clar you can see him in music.

[@claudiabartelt5609]

it's a treat to see the composer conducting his own work. Imagine being able to see Shubert or Beethoven do the same.

[@pvonberg]

Oh Good Lord ! This is FANTASTIC ! Bernstein's introduction, and then Stravinsky himself conducting The Firebird.

[@antoinebosch5676]

It is amazing to see Stravinsky conduct his own works, it is a privilege to see the father of modern music communicate his inner world to us directly. Also, Thumbs up for Bernstein who perfectly sums up why we wish to record these masterpieces conducted by the master himself.

[@geraldsachs1325]

t terrible conducting

[@DESSERT_X]

11:00 GOOSEBUMPS Imagine that orchestra playing one of THE most important pieces in the history of music with its maker. Honour. Joy.

[@PJGRAND]

The firebird is always been my favorite Stravinsky piece I just ran across this video it's just thrilling to see Stravinsky conducting it because you know you're hearing the definitive version

[@parislovesrachmaninoff]

This is a seriously incredible and important recording. Thank goodness for maestro stravinsky

[@sorartificial]

Stravinsky about critics " They can all go to hell" LMAO

[@nikitaegorov3993]

it sounds better in Russian: "idti k chyortu"

[@vanmusician]

I saw Stravinsky conduct this music with the Vancouver Symphony shortly before he died.

[@GeraldWilhelmBradenComposer]

It is truly amazing and wonderful to see Maestro Stravinsky conducting his own music, that he composed as a younger man. He walks slowly to the podium as an older man, and is once again transformed to youth at the drop of his baton, and when hearing the first notes of his composition. This is a beautiful fact of art, that ever time a wonderful piece of music is performed, or someone enjoys a painting, sculpture, or literature, the artist is kept alive for ever in our hearts...Peace!

[@linuszimmermann6120]

You got it right!!!

[@prototropo]

For many years, the melody at 09:54 marked for me the warmest of all moments in classical music. It is the sound of human wistfulness, of equanimity, a lullaby for understanding that this world, for all its tears of grief and gleaming joy, needs us to create the meaning of everything, just as we need music to have a language for meaning. In this moment Stravinsky nurtures us with more than enough lyricism for life to mean more.

[@lisamuse574]

beautifully stated.

[@audenisarat8179]

I got chills listening to the timestamp and reading your comment. thank you, thank you thank you thank you how i love being human how i love being alive!!!

[@prototropo]

@@audenisarat8179 Aw, that such a sweet message to get. Thank you for bolstering spirits today. I just recently watched a KZbin biography of Stravinsky. He was an enigmatic character! It's hard to figure where he got his incredible generativity. But that last section is redolent of lullabies in the Eastern European tradition of pancaked and telescoped phrasing--in other words, the melody is often foreshortened--prematurely turning a surprise corner--or pausing unexpectedly--lingering over a beat. Brahms and Dvorak liked that effect, too, so no surprise that I love them, too. I'm happy we share that moment!

[@runningman8134]

Thank you. My Dad's spirit is in this sound. I can always find him here, loving hs Stravinsky.

[@Marsha730]

Totally agree.......I listened and took note of that mark in the timing! Always LOVED this!!!!

[@donkloos9078]

This is AWESOME watching Stravinski himself conduct his work into the 21st century...

[@fingerhorn4]

Interesting to hear that Stravinsky's speeds are not given to much rubato. He avoids any over-sentimentalised slow downs, and keep things moving. Listen to the short chords towards the end. As always with Stravinsky, the pulse never wavers.

[@dzc46278]

Yeah those short chords in the finale few sequences... they sound ridiculous. What was Stravo thinking, when he had the orchestra hit those notes as though they were popping bubble wrap!

[@FINgaming1000]

dzc4627 it's his piece so he knows how it supposed to be played

[@slubert]

dzc4627 it probably sounds different live in a music hall... the sound here is dry and crisp..

[@slubert]

@Dan Wruck exactly. I think thats something we have to have in mind when listening to all older recordings. The microphone technology has gotten a bit better since then.

[@dylanmoffitt7098]

You should listen to Rachmaninov play his concertos!

[@clydeblair9622]

I'm in tears with this incredible privilege. His recordings of his works with him conducting are the gold standard IMHO. Oh and Lenny, you're in a class by yourself with that Phil behind you. How lucky we are to hear and see this. ❤ His conducting gestures add so much drama to the performance. Timeless.

[@jgesselberty]

Wow. Just, wow. As a side note, it was interesting to see the composer's definitive take on the bowing for the finale. The brash strokes give the work much more bite, than some of the conductors who do not use this technique, giving it a more legato sound.

[@ninabonheur2983]

Là on peux dire que c est la version la plus fidèle à son créateur puique c est lui qui la dirige. Merveilleux Firebird, grandiose Mr Stravinsky , merci pour ce cadeau .❤

[@daveenyart]

My eye brows went up at 11:48 hearing the shorter notes. Much different than what we are used to. What we heard here is exactly what the composer intended. Really...nothing else matters.

[@eldertonlewismusic]

2:22 Completely understand the bassoonist giving his instrument a kiss of reassurance. I too would also feel under pressure and scared whilst playing this

[@darktimesatrockymountainhi4046]

I love that scene! As a bassoonist, I enjoy seeing these old, seasoned pros having to do the mundane things, such as blowing condensation out of the holes - like we all have to do. He had to be ready for the Lullaby…

[@PaunchyRobot]

8:12 Stavinsky’s clone plays right above his head

[@vvmaster2010]

hahahahahhah

[@militaryandemergencyservic3286]

Rocky Marciano at 9:00 sits next to Stravinsky's clone

[@giulioi81]

It's funny to read that Stravinsky is not a conductor because this is exactly the effect that he wanted from his public. The debut of his Rite of Spring became a riot

[@2Hearts3]

Reminds me of the first symphony concert i ever attended. It was breathtaking... such a massive sound, a beautiful experience. I loved it, and wanted to stand close to the orchestra to take it all in, standing in the aisle immersed in this wonderful wall of sound coming from all these various instruments, all playing together. What a joy is music 🎶 and for these musicians to play for the composer of this great piece... unforgettable 👏🏆🎶

[@hectordelgado6179]

SOMETHING ABOUT THAT ENDING ALWAYS GETS ME...........

[@1987ulise]

Stravinsky, the greatest music composer of the XX century!

[@briansaccomanno6225]

Never heard the ending phrase with all of the staccato notes. Have only ever heard them all flowing one to another. Still get goosebumps everytime I listen to this wonderful piece of music.

[@johnrandolph6121]

Apparently he liked it that way....since there are other recordings of him doing it likewise. Also in the original version those notes are written as quarters. In the 1945 revised version he changed it to eights with eight rests. But I agree, the first time I heard it that way, it was a bit jarring.

[@dashunin]

Similar in 1928 Oskar Fried's recording.

[@georginajillkeating4734]

This is the view I had singing in the kid’s chorus when he conducted Persephone at Hill Auditorium when I was 10. As an adult I realize what a rare honor it was to sing his music ( in French!) in front of him!

[@georgemorley1029]

What an honour and privilege has been afforded to you.

[@lisamuse574]

amazing! ❤

[@canticle56]

What a glorious memory. Great artists have an intoxicating presence. It’s great to see them live.

[@laurelaltman6138]

That must have been the thrill of a lifetime

[@Neb2117]

He doesn’t appear to need the score! 😆. Gosh what a treat, even privilege, to see Stravinsky conduct.

[@EM-ue4nm]

Brilliant! You are greatly missed, Stravinsky.

[@MajorDan1138]

Spectacular! I just cannot adequately articulate the wonderful thoughts, feelings and emotions running all through me, and I am going to just leave it right there!

[@OrKestrAlan]

Amazing the great Stravinsky, thanks for share this video, 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@hpatss4966]

Yes (the band formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and Chris Squire) used the last 2 minutes of this song as their intro song to walk onstage to it was incredibly powerful as an intro and it always signaled that the boys were coming onstage to perform a killer show! Thank you so much for this! Love Stravinsky

[@reybarr8670]

Stravinsky is one of the GREATEST musical composers of all time. I am always in trance with his masterpiece The Firebird. Visually stunning with the ballet. and to watch his conduction is just as enormous.

[@WetaMantis]

Trance that's the word !

[@Gr8Layks]

Just listened to this on Interlochen Public Radio and had to look it up. Wasn’t expecting to see Stravinsky conducting! *Thanks for uploading!!!*

[@11Kralle]

Reminds me of the old anecdote where a famous conductor finally arrives at the Bayreuth-opera and starts adressing the orchestra loud and clear:"You know the composition, I know the composition - we'll see us tomorrow at the premiere..."

[@PugCuber]

I had the honor and privilege to perform The Firebird with AFA Texas last year. I played bass drum. What a time it was to be a musician.

[@culturethevibe2125]

This is insanely beautiful music!!! Especially the last part

[@houdinididiit]

2:46. No question this part influenced a handful of Hollywood composers. This could be right out of a Bernard Hermann score.

[@klaasjansen8378]

the conducitng does not look impressive, however the outcome... is so birdlike. Everytime I hear this, it touches me. You can see the bird fly. it conveys so much.

[@JohnJApanovitch]

Exactly. The fact that this orchestra knew that they would play under Stravinsky, it shows that they were ready to follow his command. Mr. Stravinsky definitely had that passion in him, and the performers also had that fiery passion. The Firebird is meant to be a really dramatic and powerful piece, so the orchestra portrays it very well. I was so happy to see Mr. Stravinsky himself conduct the work, to allow the players and audience members know what he wanted out of this masterpiece.

[@runningman8134]

Whenever I hear this, it conjures up the spirit of my late father. A huge fan of Stravinsky and classical music in general, I can still plainly see his visceral reaction to this epic crescendo. His love for music was passed on to me and now to my daughter, an accomplished flutist. I hear his spirit in the sound. I can always find him here.

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

Absolutely wonderful to see this very great man, Stravinsky, conducting his own celebrated composition. Bernstein was always so generous. One thing I noticed was the NY Philharmonic at that time having just one female member, the harpist. It was another era.

[@Boccaccio1811]

How do you know they identified that way?

[@canticle56]

I will always have a deep love and respect for all things Lenny. As composer, as conductor, as teacher, as activist. The world is better for him having been in it. You too, Igor. Bravo, gentlemen.

[@broadwaymelody33]

As soon as that single French Horn starts, I tear up.

[@austinmccoy9743]

That slow, gentle section is one of my favorite passages of music, ever, which is pretty special considering I tend to like higher-energy pieces.

[@hectordelgado2164]

i cant understant why that very powerful trumpet ending makes my cry...i just cant....

[@usamachaudhri7993]

Thank you maestro for giving us this masterpiece

[@arupsan]

Hard to believe I am watching igor Stravinsky performing … he was elusive to me , but his music always very near to me .. thanks John Randolph

[@direstraights]

Great for the Greatest and beautiful Camera Angles and perspective. Bravo Cameraman

[@crazyorganist1609]

Amazing to see him conduct

[@gthan405]

The sound at 2:00 is sampled throughout most of the songs in the 80s and 90s it's even sampled on bruno Mars finesse.

[@hq4287]

Self education is a powerful thing

[@givontaesmith3311]

this was so amazing!

[@alawint]

Thank You🙏Im speechless♥️♥️♥️

[@wcarey2]

I love that to this day, YES plays this as their Overtute before walking on stage.

[@g.v.9487]

YESSSSSONGS 😍

[@rogosobe]

I just want to add that I remembered that this piece (Firebird suite, a little longer) was the very first one that I watched in a Theatre. It had such a big impact on me, I never forgot.

[@pbrent3106]

Fantastic ! Makes you appreciate the sublime quality of orchestral composing and conducting by a real musical genius

[@Tarbh1947]

Two master musicians!!!

[@adrianleverkuehn9832]

At 9:55, the iconic hornist James Chambers.

[@chrishinnant3924]

The Salsoul Orchestra's "Magic Bird Of Fire" brought me here. I feel so silly because I had no idea that this was a classical piece until I read someone comment. I was never that much into classical music but this is truly AWESOME!!!!

[@paulbetjeman9933]

thank you for putting this up

[@carmenchao3651]

Bravo! Thank for posting this masterpiece.

[@michaelhayes690]

This is great! Thanks!

[@tasheenariana7153]

I can't believe! IT'S THE STRAVINSKY THE COMPOSER. I SAW HIM IN REAL LIFE FIRST TIME TODAY.

[@themetr0gn0me]

Truly the soundtrack to rising from the ashes

[@wohololao]

1:53 Stravinsky is like "Let go of my hand ffs"

[@CLASSICALFAN100]

I had to Google what "ffs" means. (Now, I wish that I hadn't.) What a goober...

[@lionsmaine1238]

Omg

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

I would think LB was just making sure the old frail guy was not going to fall.

[@mcrettable]

chill out for fucks sake. live a little

[@feloria1862]

i think he was near 80 during this

[@Bigbuddyandblue]

Wow. Starting at 12:38, Stravinsky’s true rhythm, cadence and tempo are markedly different from the modern versions I’ve heard. One of my favorites. And John Williams is apparently a huge Stravinsky fan. And Wagner fan. And Holst fan...........etc.

[@PepperWilliamsMusicBlend]

And Jerry Goldsmith, Bernard Herrmann, Marco Beltrami etc etc etc etc!!!❤❤❤ No one will ever top Stravinsky IMHO

[@kasparhauser4u]

This is sooooo good!

[@crazyorganist1609]

The Master himself

[@radiotelegram]

That was a treat and a half. Thank you very much for taking the time to share it with us all.

[@nathanrigsby5594]

How am I just finding this...this is priceless...

[@chitusaxena]

2:00 is what brought the 80’s music to life

[@goodman5568]

Stravinsky shows how, without mastering the conducting technique, one can force the orchestra to carry out exactly his plan. One hand would be enough here, because the right hand simply mirrors the left (or vice versa :))

[@juanperezperez5484]

This piece sounded when the universe was creating ^^

[@CoolSerafin]

I agree with you XD

[@1049berkeley]

I looooove this....so very much.

[@benaheide]

This is the second footage of Stravinsky where I've seen him conduct the section at 11:48 staccato. Yet this seems to have been forgotten in modern interpretations, with conductors opting for longer, whinier in my opinion strings.

[@fierywomanpacnw7004]

I noticed that too -- it's a very interesting articulation -- almost as if they are drawing the bow and it's doubling back like a rubber band that had bee stretched out.

[@richardhoenich9338]

Over his career, Stravinsky created three "suite" versions of the original ballet score(1910), with 1945 (his last version) being the longest of the three. Various details of orchestration and articulation differ from suite to suite. Well known (and likely one of the least subtle of those various changes) is the shortness of the theme's pitches when played by the full orchestra referenced at 11:48 in the video.

[@Trenton.D]

​@@richardhoenich9338 Stravinsky used the staccato interpretation (not really an "interpretation" since it is his music) of the Finale coda from the time he re-orchestrated it in 1919 (which is when he included a "Finale"). I've also heard only one other composer do it (Fried with the Berlin Philharmonic, 1929). I haven't seen the score of the 1945 version where apparently the ending he has re-written the quarter notes to eighth notes+eighth rests, maybe because no one was doing it! But futile since the 1919 version is overwhelmingly the most used.

[@lisatothviolinist848]

violinist here. it’s two 16th notes with an 8th rest in between. executed at the frog of the bow, very heavy, fast, and sec (dry): “da-da rest da-da rest da-da rest da-da rest,” etc. the bowing is down up, down up, down up. It’s hard to notice the up-bow, because of the massive fortissimo of the orchestra, but it’s there. 🙂

[@inthedesert2008]

12 minutes of some of the best symphonic music ever written.

[@isabelhuszka1321]

Fantasztikus! köszönöm a feltöltést!

[@nogstergmailcom]

BRAVISSIMO!!!!

[@jupiterlegrand4817]

Absolutely fantastic to see the man himself conducting one of his greatest works...although I must admit, I kept waiting for the opening riff to Siberian Khatru to follow. (Yes fans will know what I mean.)

[@franklinrodriguez3370]

Amazing!

[@walteralejandrojardon6365]

Amazing, Brilliant, Inspiring is everything!!!

[@canticle56]

Amazing artists at an amazingly optimistic time. This is fantastic.

[@vadicodf]

Common people are not prepared to understand that geniality is not even close than an handsome or heroic figure.

[@jennifs6868]

no rushing! what a concept.

[@nataliabenedetti3639]

questo documento è importante!Bernstein e Stravinsky che si incontrano e tramandano la musica!!!Stravinsky che dirige il sui brano e lascia la sua eredità!!!bellissimo ed emozionante!

[@DigitalNomadOnFIRE]

The introduction sounds amazing with The Firebird Introduction played over the top.

[@maestroclassico5801]

I was always intrigued that Stravinsky didnt use a baton, he frequently made fists like Klemperer...

[@hairnsap]

He composed the music and I dont think he would stand up there and screw it up ! Listen and learn how he intended the piece to feel perhaps

[@zekielrodriguez4539]

what a legend

[@ziosogliolone]

grande Maestro Stravinsky!!!!

[@monktrane325]

All Rhythm..love it...that is music RMH

[@fatifaculdadeda3aidadesbcc914]

Forget DCxMarvel. This was the crossover to end all crossovers!

[@vieuxloup2978]

Stravinsky : le plus grand musicien du 20 eme siècle ! Tout simplement !

[@stevoglez]

3:48 😃 6:12 🤯 6:40 🥺 7:51 😭 10:17 😇 11:44 😍

[@glp329]

Amazing

[@kalilsampaio7035]

i had so many goosebumps that i almost had a stroke

[@user-nm9vz6bt5v]

Bravo, Maestro!!!