Stravinsky: Pulcinella, Renard, Suites & Ragtime

Conducted by Hugh Wolff, this recording shines a light on Stravinsky’s works from 1916-1925, an ebullient creative period which gave birth to many underrated masterpieces. Written after an old Russian tale, Renard is an amusing slang-toned animal opera with a very original instrumentation featuring the cimbalom (an instrument we also find in the jazz-inspired Ragtime). It is here performed in its English version, the title-role being held by John Aler. The famous tenor also appears in the baroque pasticcio Pulcinella, accompanied by the great Jennifer Larmore.