Stravinsky Conducts his 'Firebird Suite' at age 82!

[HorseTears]

Posted: 1/14/08 at 11:50pm

God I love YouTube. A kind soul was good enough to upload this incredible video of the great Stravinsky conducting his Firebird Suite.

At that age, with a cane by his side, he could hardly summon the physical power to really conduct this monumental work. But to see that genius of 20th Century music at the podium while the New Philharmonia Orchestra plays their hearts out is quite astonishing. And they sound absolutely marvelous. And, of course, the audience at Royal Albert Hall gives Mr. Stravinsky a rousing ovation. It is such a moving performance. One of the most wonderful things I've seen on Youtube.


Stravinsky Conducts Lullaby & Final Hymn from Firebird Ballet Suite - 1965

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/15/08 at 12:29am

I love watching him nod the cues to the players.

[Roninjoey]

Posted: 1/15/08 at 1:29am

It was really very cool. Ah, Stravinsky...