Scipio Ensemble

On 29 May 1913, Igor Stravinsky's Le Sacre du Printemps premiered in Paris. The audience reacted with shock to the unprecedented rhythms, dissonant harmonies and primitive power of the music - booing, shouting and scuffles drowned out parts of the performance. What was then seen as provocation is now regarded as one of the most influential works in music history.

Pianist ensemble Scipio performs this revolutionary work in the arrangement for four pianos by Maarten Bon. This transparent instrumentation lays bare the architecture of Stravinsky's score: the layered rhythms, sharp accents and revolutionary harmonies come to the fore with great clarity.

As a prelude, two earlier works are heard first. Bach's Concerto for four pianos BWV 1065 brings a play of virtuosity and counterpoint between the four instruments; Mozart's Concerto No. 7 for three pianos K. 242 'Lodron' is marked by lightness and refined ensemble playing.

The Scipio ensemble consists of Jasper Bon, Lodewijk Crommelin, Hans-Erik Dijkstra, Mirjam Karres and Martijn Smits. With thanks to Koot's Pianohandel for providing the pianos.