The Firebird-Suite (1919) / Children’s Games / Mother Goose-Suite

This recording was released on the Seraphim label, a budget-conscious imprint of EMI that sought to reissue classic high-fidelity performances from the middle of the twentieth century for a new generation of listeners. By the time this compilation was cataloged as 60022, Seraphim had become a primary vehicle for making the extensive back catalog of the Philharmonia Orchestra available at an accessible price point, pairing iconic repertoire with the authoritative baton of Carlo Maria Giulini.

The disc features a distinct selection of early twentieth-century orchestral works, bringing together Stravinsky's vibrant Firebird Suite, Bizet's evocative Children's Games, and Ravel's delicate Mother Goose Suite. Giulini’s interpretive approach to these pieces is noted for its refined elegance and structural clarity, traits that helped solidify his reputation as a master of the European orchestral tradition. The release was generally well-received by critics of the era who praised the sonic fidelity of the Philharmonia's ensemble work under Giulini's direction.