Bolero is ‘an orchestral score without music,’ reckoned Ravel. ‘There are no contrasts, and practically no invention except the plan and the manner of execution.’
Such a careful description does not acknowledge the hypnotic power that has made the piece so popular. When the LSO and Valery Gergiev performed it in London at the end of 2009 a recording for LSO Live was a must. Unusually, a video was made too.
This is such an extraordinary video that we have decided to offer this exclusive HD version, which has never been made available before, to Society of Sound members.
This month’s Real World offering is the debut album from Circle Traps. Developed over the last year through an interest in production as well as a love of electronic and dance music; Circle Traps have arrived at a sound that marries the romantic textures of Bjork’s Vespertine to the glacial atmospherics of Thomas Köner to more fluid jazz-like explorations of rhythm.
Circle Traps is a project between Jack Wyllie (Portico Quartet), Duncan Bellamy (Portico Quartet) and Will Ward.
First time I’ve been compelled to write a review on here. When I heard Bolero was to be the LSO album of the month I groaned, for me Bolero is one of those pieces of music I’ve never got on with, familiarity had bred contempt. I was also sceptical about the idea of a video.
Wow, was I wrong.
This is just excellent. The camerawork focusing on Gergiev gives you a perspective you dont normally see and really lets you appreciate the level of skill on offer. It was also remarkable to see close ups like the snare drum and realise how gently it is being played in the early stages, marvellous to imagine that quiet sound echoing round the room..
Really, really good stuff, thanks for a brilliant download
Posted: Friday, 10 February 2012That was a masterpiece of a video. Just got lost into it. I had never appreciated the orchestra before since I could not define it. But this piece of video just changed my perception. Every detail worked on it, the lighting is marvelous where in even the textures of the instruments and the scratches on the instruments are evident. The orchestration is outstanding. Would love to be a part of one such live wonders. Kudos to every sole involved in it.
Posted: Thursday, 23 February 2012Plain and simply beautiflully done,
Posted: Wednesday, 29 February 2012Tp put it simple: fantastic film, please more of that …
Posted: Tuesday, 6 March 2012I’ve discovered only recently how a “Classical DVD” reproduced with a proper equipment (B&W for the musical part and a Full HD video) can give me a pleasure close to a live execution. I went thru this DVD dozen of times, always discovering new aspects, new nuances. Gergiev (one of my favorite conductors) is just outstanding, not less than the entire LSO. Please, continue to propose DVD of such a high standard. That would be a gift to those who live far from music temples…
Posted: Tuesday, 6 March 2012Wonderful film with such beautiful music, more of please.
Posted: Tuesday, 6 March 2012More similar video please.
Posted: Tuesday, 6 March 2012When you finally obtain a new piece of audio equipment you have dreamed of and worked for, and find that it is a real keeper worthy of the anticipation, there is that moment you associate with the piece of music that revealed it’s special nature, and to you, the higher level of appreciation you are able to now attain. For me, this marriage is the new 804 Diamonds and this LSO Bolero performance. What started out as a curious listen ended with tears streaming down my face. Please keep these performances coming B&W – and please keep the sonic purity of your loudspeaker innovations coming as well.
Posted: Wednesday, 7 March 2012This piece of video was fantastic. I don’t know much about classical music but this was a piece I’ve heard before and seeing it delivered like this was perfect. I’d like to see more performances of famous classical music delivered via video like this. It makes it so much more enjoyable and accessible.
Posted: Wednesday, 7 March 2012I think so too:
This is just excellent. The camerawork focusing on Gergiev gives you a perspective you dont normally see and really lets you appreciate the level of skill on offer. It was also remarkable to see close ups like the snare drum and realise how gently it is being played in the early stages, marvellous to imagine that quiet sound echoing round the room..
Really, really good stuff, thanks for a brilliant download
I hope, this video isn’t the last. I hope to see many more from this excellent and technical perfect recordings. thank you very much
Posted: Wednesday, 7 March 2012beautiflully done!
Posted: Wednesday, 7 March 2012Great camera work, edit and production. The audio, as ever is superb.
Someone else commented that this brings a rather familiar piece of music to life. The standard of production rightfully promotes Bolero back to its place as a very beautiful and dramatic classic. Thank you.
Oh, and any chance of some more please?!
Posted: Thursday, 8 March 2012My work takes me all too often overseas, I copied the HD video file to my tablet for viewing on such an occasion ,well when I saw the technical and “artistic “quality of the recording I was simply enchanted forgetting that I was on foreign shores. Please may we have more of this brilliant AV format
Posted: Saturday, 10 March 2012