Stravinsky's The Firebird: Two Audiophile Classics Compared
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Ansermet (Decca) vs. Dorati (Mercury Living Presence)
Listening to two classic recordings of The Firebird—one by Ernest Ansermet for Decca and the other by Antal Doráti for Mercury Living Presence—was like experiencing two entirely different versions of the same magical story. One of them completely blew me away.
The Decca / Ansermet (SXL 2011)
Performance: Ansermet delivers a refined, elegant reading with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. His interpretation is dependable, balanced, and expressive, especially in the woodwinds and quieter passages.
Sound Quality: This 1955 recording, despite being an early stereo effort, has warmth and charm but lacks the sheer dynamic punch of later recordings. The climaxes feel slightly reserved.
Best Pressing: The UK London Stereo Treasury (STS 15139) pressing is surprisingly the one to get—offering excellent mastering on a budget without compromising the magic of Ansermet’s interpretation.
Verdict: A must for golden age collectors but not the one that left me breathless.
The Mercury / Doráti (Living Presence SR90226)
Performance: Doráti’s version with the London Symphony Orchestra is simply electrifying. From the atmospheric opening to the hair-raising finale, this is an emotionally gripping, high-drama performance that never sacrifices musicality for effect.
Sound Quality: The legendary Mercury three-mic recording, produced by Wilma Cozart Fine and engineered by Robert Fine, captures every nuance. The dynamic swings are explosive yet controlled. The Classic Records reissue, particularly the 45 RPM version mastered by Bernie Grundman, is astonishing—deep soundstage, incredible dynamics, and lifelike detail.
Best Pressing: The Classic Records 33 or 45 RPM reissues. Original Mercuries are expensive, and the recent digital-sourced versions don't match the originals or the Classic cuts. A budget option might be the Philips Golden Imports LP, though I haven’t heard it firsthand.
Verdict: This is the Firebird to own for sheer sonic and emotional impact. It’s one of the most thrilling classical records I’ve ever heard—on vinyl or otherwise.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after the complete Firebird and you care about performance, sonics, and the magic of vinyl, the Doráti Mercury is the clear winner. The Ansermet is beautiful, historic, and worthwhile for collectors, but the Mercury is transcendent.
