Igor Markevitch - An Evening of Ballet (1954/2021)

Igor Markevitch and Serge Diaghilev shared a passionate love story, interrupted by the impresario’s sudden death in 1929. Years later, having become an accomplished conductor, Markevitch paid homage to his mentor with a triple LP Homage to Diaghilev including highlights of stage works performed by the Ballets russes. We release here an abridged version, including some of the best pages of the ballet literature (Swan Lake, Les sylphides…) and the uncommon Good-Humoured Ladies, a lovely pasticcio by Tommasini after Scarlatti’s sonatas.

Tracklist
1. Invitation to the Dance, Op. 65, J. 260 (Orch. Berlioz) (9:10)
2. Les sylphides: Mazurka, Op. 33 No. 2 (Orch. Douglas) (2:26)
3. Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, CD 87, L. 86 (9:45)
4. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 10, Scene. Moderato (2:40)
5. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 11, Scene. Allegro moderato - Moderato - Allegro vivo (5:10)
6. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 5b, Pas de deux for Two Merry-Makers. Andante - Allegro (3:32)
7. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 5c, Pas de deux for Two Merry-Makers. Tempo di valse (1:20)
8. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 5d, Pas de deux for Two Merry-Makers. Coda (1:44)
9. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 3: No. 19c, Pas de six. Variation II (3:18)
10. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 1: No. 8, Dance with Goblets (3:10)
11. Swan Lake, Op. 20, Act 2: No. 13g, Dances of the Swans. Coda (1:44)
12. Suite from The Good-Humoured Ladies: I. Presto (1:52)
13. Suite from The Good-Humoured Ladies: II. Allegro (3:12)
14. Suite from The Good-Humoured Ladies: III. Andante (4:05)
15. Suite from The Good-Humoured Ladies: IV. Non presto, in tempo di ballo (2:48)
16. Suite from The Good-Humoured Ladies: V. Presto "Cat's Fugue" - Finale (3:14)
17. Three Movements from Petrushka: I. Russian Dance (Orchestral Version) (2:30)
18. Three Movements from Petrushka: II. Petrushka's Cell (Orchestral Version) (4:23)
19. Three Movements from Petrushka: III. The Shrovetide Fair (Orchestral Version) (9:36)