The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps)

One of the more unusual recordings of Larry Coryell's long career is his solo interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's major ballet Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring). In attempting this classical composition on a six-string acoustic guitar, without overdubs, Coryell has his work cut out for him, as Stravinsky's original ballet rehearsal version was conducted on not one but two pianos! This works best in the softer sections of the work like the introductions to each of the two segments of the work, though Coryell's virtuoso technique will likely impress notoriously hard to please classical fans. He doesn't strictly attempt a literal transcription, but introduces his own Latin-flavored interludes, additional vamps and improvised sections. It seems almost criminal that there are no liner notes to explain what prompted the making of this CD, though it seems almost obvious that the guitarist had likely been fascinated with this composition since childhood. Coryell also recorded Stravinsky's Oiseau De Feu (Firebird)/Petrouchka in 1984.