Here's Punch But No Sign Of Judy

Stravinsky's one act ballet with song, Pulcinella, is not just a reworking of music by Pergolesi and , it has subsequently been unearthed , other 18th century Italian composers. He uses the originals as a springboard for experimentation, transforming the music into a 20th century work by means of quirky instrumentation ( such as the jazzy slides of the double bass solo ), ostinato melodies and other devices. This recording is by the Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Stravinsky's musical confidant Robert Craft with soloists Diane Montague mezzo, Robin Leggate tenor and Mark Beesley bass. The other item on the disk is The Fairy's Kiss, again conducted by Craft but this time with the London Symphony Orchestra. This ballet is at another extreme and is largely an original composition. Stravinsky greatly altered, developed and elaborated melodies from early piano pieces and songs by Tchaikovsky, expanding them into sizeable ballet numbers to form a continuous dance symphony. Some may find it curious that a major composer would wish to spend such time utilising source material from others but the idea of variations and adaptations is an old and honourable one.