“… Salonen walks the finest of lines, allowing the lusher moments space to bloom without straying into excess, pacing this slight drama with care. Staples’ cool, clean tenor keeps things matter-of-fact, his efficient delivery setting up an exciting friction with Cheviller’s rhapsodic delivery. The orchestra is nicely balanced, woodwinds creeping out of the thick undergrowth and into the sunlight for solos, matched by delicate singing from both choruses. A trip to hell has rarely sounded so appealing.” *****

Opera Category Nominee

Performance ****     Recording *****

“…Knitting the various strands together is conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, who ensures a pleasing uniformity of style among the performers, particularly where accenting and phrase-shaping are concerned. Lithe and flexible in approach, Salonen is the defining influence on this excellent recording. It has no weak links, and captures evocatively the elusive, mythopoeic atmosphere of this still neglected piece.”

“Persephone, a story based on a mythological tale, is a less known ballet music by Igor Stravinsky. This new recording from Finland with Andrew Staples and Pauline Cheviller shows a piece with peculiars colors, describing Earth and Hades. Salonen’s account of the piece is beautifully shaped and very atmospheric.” **** (Good Album)

“… admirers of Stravinsky looking for a definitive recording of this opaque piece have now been provided with the perfect disc, recorded in PENTATONE’s customarily exemplary surround sound.”