The scintillating orchestral effects of Fireworks so impressed Sergey Dyagilev that the impresario was prompted to commission a new work from Stravinsky for his Ballet russes. Telling of Prince Ivan’s fantastic adventures in the demonic Kastchei’s magic realm, The Firebird is a virtuoso composition in every regard; its colourful sonorities and dramatic impact brought Stravinsky instant celebrity and led to his successful ballets Petrushka (Naxos 8.571222) and The Rite of Spring (Naxos 8.571223). This recording has been acclaimed as “polished and brilliant” (Gramophone).