Diaghilev: Ballets Russes (CD22)

A transformative force in music, dance and the visual arts, the Ballets russes was founded in Paris in 1909 by the visionary impresario Serge Diaghilev. Innovative and flamboyant, he had a genius for bringing together the most brilliant composers, dancers, choreographers and designers, for nurturing creativity, and for galvanising audiences. Emblematic of the influence of the Ballets russes was the 1913 premiere of Stravinsky’s Le Sacre du printemps: it caused a notorious scandal, but it also changed musical history. This 22CD set traces the company’s path through the 20 years of its existence – a tumultuous, but artistically fertile period – and comprises the vast majority of Ballets russes scores that have been recorded. Encompassing epoch-making works and rarities awaiting rediscovery, it offers a number of CD premieres and landmark interpretations by major musicians of the 78, LP and digital eras.