Eiji Oue

Eiji Oue, Minnesota Orchestra – Stravinsky: The Song Of The Nightingale, The Firebird, Rite of Spring (1996)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/88,2 kHz | Time – 01:14:57 minutes | 1,21 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Reference Recordings

Although The Rite of Spring ballet caused a near riot at its Paris premiere and assured Igor Stravinsky a place in the pantheon of artistic enfants terribles, it was the earlier ballet, The Firebird, that catapulted him to stardom in the classical world. On this new Reference Recordings CD by Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orchestra, we have performances of both the earlier ballets, as well as a performance of the later symphonic poem The Song of the Nightingale. All three pieces could not be more disparate in style, and are far removed from Stravinsky’s seminal works in neo-classical style and his post-modern flirtation with serialism.

The Minnesota Orchestra, at least on this sojourn, are in excellent young hands. Eiji Oue, a Bernstein protégé and Tanglewood alumnus, makes an auspicious recorded debut. His control of all three ballets is exemplary and allows Stravinsky’s fantastical ideas to shine at every opportunity. The orchestra play these fiendishly difficult scores with apparent ease. All departments of the orchestra are first class with a special mention going to the woodwinds. Each principal from the orchestra plays with great character and an undeniably beautiful sound that one associates with only the finest players.

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Eiji Oue, Minnesota Orchestra – Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances (2001)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 01:07:36 minutes | 1,15 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Reference Recordings

Selected by SoundStage!.com as one of the “Best Recordings of 2001”

Sergei Rachmaninoff was one of the most beloved composers of the twentieth century. His music is redolent of his Russian homeland, and it sings long, lush melodies that define the term “romantic.” Everyone who knows and loves his piano concertos will enjoy these lyrical and dynamic works for orchestra. The “Symphonic Dances” in recent years have become one of Rachmaninoff’s most-performed scores. The five “études-Tableaux” were orchestrated by Ottorino Respighi from the brilliant originals for piano. “Vocalise” is one of the great classical melodies, and is hummable by everyone. Initial response from renowned reviewers is amazingly positive. Two have said this is the finest orchestral recording RR has ever made!

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