Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35

1. Scheherazade, symphonic suite for orchestra, Op. 35
Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov
Conducted by Anton Nanut

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35,Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov,Anton Nanut,Ljubljana Radio Symphony Orchestra,Ent. Media Partners,Classical,Classical Vocals,Orchestral,Suite for Orchestra

Average customer rating: Stellar Performance Nostalgia Best Classical CD bargain on Amazon, IMHO Cheap? Only in price Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra | ( H ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 Symphonie Fantastique Elgar: Pomp and Circumstance Marches Op. 39; Enigma Variations Op. 36 Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor Bach: Brandenburg Concertos No. 1-4; Neville Marriner; Academy of St. Martin in the Fields ASIN: B000000UW0 Release Date: 1995-10-17

Tracks:

1. Scheherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
2. Scherherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Story Of The Kalandar Prince
3. Scheherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
4. Scheherazade - Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: Festival At Bagdad - The Sea - The Ship Goes To Pieces On A Rock Surmounted By A Bronze Warrior - Conclusion
5. Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36
6. Capriccio espagnol: Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34

Customer Reviews:

Stellar Performance.......2007-06-27

Having been a professional violinist and pianist for thirty years, I have developed a special appreciation for classical music. Scheherezade is one of the great orchestral pieces. This version clearly highlights the great skill of the composer and the orchestra. All the pieces on this cd are performed at a high skill level and the recording quality is excellent. It is on a par with the great performances by other orchestras, and I highly recommend it.

Nostalgia.......2007-06-27

My father was a classical musician in the days when every major theater had a pit orchestra of concert-level musicians. Boris Morros, a Russian born impresario paid tribute to them, saying: "the impact of these luxurious film theaters on the culture of America has never been properly emphasized. In one of our marble movie temples every tired scrub-lady could feel like a queen--for fifty cents--and every bootblack like a king as they lounged back in more comfortable chairs than monarchs ever enjoyed. I was impressed by the ever-growing popularity of the so-called good music the large symphony orchestras in these theaters played at each performance. From the day they opened they had thrilled audiences of ordinary people (who were supposed to have appreciation only for ragtime and sentimental ballads) with first-rate renditions...." Anyway, when those theaters and orchestras went, the substitute was a cult of mediocrity, so I was just indulging myself listening to all the horn work in Korsakov and remembering all those 'good ol days.'

Best Classical CD bargain on Amazon, IMHO.......2007-03-29

I'm surprised this CD isn't displayed on the Classical Blowout store. Perhaps it's *too* good a bargain? I purchased this CD for one piece: The Story Of The Kalandar Prince. My children and I love this work, as it is orchestrated like a story ("tone poem" is the correct term I think) - insert your imagination as to how it plays out.

This a wonderful CD to play on a cold winter night, with a roaring fire and a glass of wine. If you want a fine introduction to the 'oomph' of Easter European composers, you can do no wrong with this CD. I also recommend the Edwin Elgar Pomp & Circumstance CD from this bargain Seraphim collection.

Cheap? Only in price.......2007-02-22

First - how can one go wrong buying this cd at this price? The answer is - one cannot go wrong buying this cd at this price. Not even at three times this price. It's a lush recording and is every bit as good as anything recorded yesterday in a state of the art studio. At least some people have never heard of Rimsky-Korsakov. This is a cheap way to be introduced nicely. Others have these pieces by three or four different orchestras. Add this one - you'll be glad you did if for no other reason than when it arrives you'll listen once again to music you've put away for some time.

It's truly wonderful.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade.......2006-11-10

I love Russian composers. They have so much fire. I received the CD timely and in great condition. Thank you.

Average customer rating: Scheherazade Definitive SACD of Scheherazade - Outstanding!!!! best recording I could find Russian rousers! Amazing Sound

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Hybrid SACD] Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD] Richard Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra; Ein Heldenleben [Hybrid SACD] Brahms, Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD] Dvorák's New World Symphony and Other Orchestral Masterworks [Hybrid SACD] Respighi: Pines of Rome; Fountains of Rome; Debussy: La mer [Hybrid SACD] ASIN: B0006PV5VC Release Date: 2005-01-25

Tracks:

1. The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
2. The Story Of The Kalender Prince
3. The Young Prince And The Young Princess
4. Festival Of Bagdad/The Sea/The Ship Goes To Pieces On A Rock Surmounted By A Bronze Warrior (Shipwreck)/Conclusion
5. Presto
6. Chinese March
7. Song Of The Nightingale
8. The Mechanical Nightingale
9. The Emperor's Displeasure At The Departure Of The real Nightingale
10. The Emperor's Sickroom
11. The Real Nightingale Returns To Thwart Death
12. Funeral March And Finale

Amazon.com

This is a classic recording of these two works, led with grand authority by Fritz Reiner. The Chicago's brass and wind section play gloriously throughout, and the final movement of Scheherazade (we learn from the original producer [1960] in an accompanying essay) was recorded in one take--an almost unheard-of feat. This fast movement is taken at breakneck speed, with no loss of clarity or power, with the strings in the hands of magicians. Stravinsky's Nightingale has never sounded so exotic, so bristling over with color, since this 1956(!) recording under Reiner, and the wonderful surprise with this new release of old material is the revamped sound: the original "Living Stereo" was a fantastic breakthrough in recording, and this new SACD format has returned the spatial relationships to something so "real" that it comes as close as I've ever heard to a true concert hall experience. Simply glorious. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Scheherazade.......2007-07-08

This specific performanace of this album is excellent. The musical content is excellent and is a real crowd pleaser that anyone would want to listen to frequently. The technical recording (Hybrid SACD) is muddy when played back on ordinary equipment. That is the loudest passages are truncated (i.e. made quieter) and the softest passes are truncaded (i.e. made louder). This assessment is made in comparision to my original vinyl LP of this same recording. Presumably to get the best audio from the CD recording you will need SACD playback equipment. If you don't have a decent copy of vinyl version I would highly recommend this CD.

Definitive SACD of Scheherazade - Outstanding!!!!.......2007-02-18

This multichannel SACD is recorded in the front 3 channels only, as this is what the technicians and their top notch analog equipment recorded more than 40 years ago. At that time the Chicago Symphony and conductor Fritz Reiner were both at the top of their game, and this recording has not been equalled to this day. Absolutely puts the listener in the middle of the ninth or tenth row, and provides the clean dynamic sound of the best recordings made today! This is the wonderful Scheherazade I grew up with, but much better because of SACD technology and my current audio system.

best recording I could find.......2007-01-19

I heard Scheherazade live with the NY Phil. The power of that full orchestra in Russian forte was something, but even more memorable was the beautiful violin played by the concert master. This recording manages to balance the two opposites sonically. Mr Bill

Russian rousers!.......2007-01-06

"The Song of the Nightingale" is not my favorite Stravinsky...it just doesn't work that well as a piece of music, especially when compared to the opera original. But Reiner makes it work somehow: the pacing is terrific and the playing as usual is razor-sharp. "Scheherazade" may be pretty tired by now but when you hear this performance it comes to life again and you realize why it has been such a popular score. Sure there are other ways to play it but this one is sensational...and the last movement was done in a single take!

Amazing Sound.......2006-09-19

Best Scheherazade I ever heard. The performace was exciting and touching. The SACD provides so much details and dynamics of the recording that it makes me really feel that I was there.

Average customer rating: Highly Worthy of the "Definitive" Title! The Definitive Scheherazade very enjoyable Clarity and delicious sound Rimsky-Korsakov en plena forma

Sheherazade / Russian Easter Overture Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Dukas: Sorcerer's Apprentice; Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Prokofiev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5: Lieutenant Kijé Symphonie Fantastique ASIN: B000069JJ0 Release Date: 2002-08-06

Tracks:

1. I. The Sea And Sinbad's Ship - Anshel Brusilow
2. II. The Story Of The Kalander Prince - Anshel Brusilow
3. III. The Young Prince And The Young Princess - Anshel Brusilow
4. IV. Festival At Baghdad; The Sea; Shipwreck - Anshel Brusilow
5. Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op. 36 - Philadelphia Orchestra
6. I. Alborada: Vivo E Strepitoso - Philadelphia Orchestra
7. II. Variazioni: Andante Con Moto - Philadelphia Orchestra
8. III. Alborada: Vivo E Strepitoso - Philadelphia Orchestra
9. IV. Scena E Canto Gitano: Allegretto - Philadelphia Orchestra
10. V. Fandango Asturiano - Philadelphia Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

Highly Worthy of the "Definitive" Title!.......2007-07-06

This is one of my favorite pieces of Russian music ever composed, which is a mixed blessing in the sense that, when the music is performed the right way, it's positively revelatory, and when it's performed the wrong way, it's a massive bummer and leads to deep emotional frustration. I've heard lots of Scheherazades, including the ubiquitously lauded Reiner and Beecham discs, and I must say, for me, they can't hold a candle to this one. Here's why.

So many Scheherazades are all technique and no heart. Many listeners actually go for virtuosity and technique above emotion and pathos, which is A-OK with me (to each his own!), but those folks have tons of Scheherazades to pick from. As for the rest of us, it's a real struggle to find the one that DELIVERS. I hereby submit, my fellow sentimentalists, that this one is it!

Where some Scheherazades' second movements feature dry, passionless instrumentation, Ormandy gives the instantly recognizable violin theme a tuneful depth, richness, and just a touch of vibrato to give it the feel and tenderness of a human voice. The harps, also of note, give the dulcet sense of wonderment most Scheherazades just can't grasp. The oboes are indescribably good.

I think what I love best about this reading is that Ormandy doesn't seem at all afraid of adding just a touch of improvisation to give the work freshness and excitement. Tasteful cadenzas and flourishes abound, but never overcome compositional integrity or seem excessive. Best of all, in the passages that need to be thunderous, we get THUNDER! From the beginning of the fourth movement, the delightful reality of what this music can and is supposed to sound like crystalizes in one's mind.

In closing, don't take my word for it. Listen to Amazon's sound samples and hear for yourself how the innate magic of this piece takes wing under Ormandy's baton. Also highly recommended is Svetlanov's performance with the LSO, which is possessed of a similar spirit of emotional depth and musical richness, as is Monteux's dramatic (but pretty hard to track down) Scheherazade recording.

The Definitive Scheherazade.......2007-05-10

I bought this Ormandy recording of Sheherazade in the 1960s on LP, and I know it intimately. What a joy to find it reissued on CD! The sound quality was superior then and just as fresh now. The violin soloist is magnificent, the sections of the orchestra crisply discrete and clear, the stereo imaging breathtaking. Highly recommended rendering of this timeless, romantic showpiece.

very enjoyable.......2006-11-10

I found this recording one of the best for the three pieces presented.
It is a very enjoyable hour or so of listening.

Clarity and delicious sound.......2005-12-30

This is the best version of Sheherazade I have listened to. Even the Capriccio Espagnol, which normally I don't like, has a compelling sound. I couldn't take off the earphones. Every instrument is clear, every voice weaves in and out with clarity, no voices are overwhelmed by orchestral swelling or other voices as in other recordings. I suspect this may have to do with the aggressive recording and remastering techniques as much as with the conducting, but so what? I was caught up in Rimsky-Korsakov as never before. The themes are repetitive, but his arrangements of the sounds of the orchestra are enrapturing. This CD makes these sounds delicious.

I purchased this CD because I had no recording of the Russian Easter Festival Overture. I figured that I did not need another version of Scheherazade; I already had CD versions conducted by Barenboim and Mackerras. But then I hit the play button and was swept away. If you don't have Scheherazade, this is the version to get. If you want a better one than you already have, this will likely satisfy the need.

Rimsky-Korsakov en plena forma.......2004-10-01

Si hay imaginación hecha música, Scheherazade es el caso, simbad, el principe y la princesa, nos llegan a los oídos de una forma elocuente, directa y genial, son sonidos que nos llevan a otros tiempos y otros mundos. Ormandy hace que eso ocurra ademas con una belleza y fuerza incomparables, este director lleva a su orquesta a lo máximo de eficiencia.
El capricho Español es una obra rusa con aires mediterraneos, es rica en expresión y alegria. La Obertura para la Pascua Rusa, es una procesión, una marcha, una liturgia de música religiosa, bella, delicada, apasionada.
Eugene Ormandy dirigió la Orquesta de Filadelfia por mas de cuarenta años, y con ella alcanzo lo que se llamo "Sonido Filadelfia", es decir una calidad conocida y reconocida por todo el mundo, en belleza pulcritud y exquicitez. Ahora bien, esto ocurrio entre los años 30 y 80, lo que hace que a veces sea desconocido para muchos, pero gracias a estas colecciones podemos disfrutar de estas grabaciones a precio economico y de excelente calidad.

Average customer rating: A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set] Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Chabrier | Chabrier, Alexis Emanuel | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Delibes, Léo | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Elgar | Elgar, Sir Edward | ( E ) | Featured Composers, 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Album Description

Music can be both calming and relaxing, or invigorating and passionate...this phenomenal 20-CD set is definitely the latter. This amazing collection brings together for the first time the most passionate music of all time, from Ravel's Bolero, Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, Wagner's Magic Fire Music to Ravel's La Valse, Orff 's Carmina Burana and Stravinsky's Rite of Spring. This is a must have collection for every passionate music lover.

Customer Reviews:

A good gift for novice.......2007-05-12

This was a good gift for somebody learning about Classical music in Japan.

Average customer rating: A fine sampler OUTSTANDING Fun CD

Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Operas | Opera & Vocal | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music $6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Rimsky-Korsakov, Nikolai | ( R ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Cleveland Orchestra | ( C ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Saint-Saëns: Greatest Hits Debussy's Greatest Hits Sergei Rachmaninoff: Greatest Hits Grieg: Greatest Hits Prokofiev: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002C5Z Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

1. Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee
2. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
3. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Variazioni. Andante con moto
4. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
5. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Scena e canto gitano
6. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Fandango asturiano
7. Sadko: Song of India
8. The Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers
9. Le Coq d'or Suite: IV. Introduction and Bridal Procession
10. Mlada Suite: Procession of the Nobles
11. Tsar Saltan Suite, Op. 57: Farewell of the Tsar
12. Russian Easter Overture
13. Sheherazade Symphonic Suite: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
14. Sheherazade Symphonic Suite: IV. Festival at Bagdad - The Sea - Shipwreck

Customer Reviews:

A fine sampler.......2003-04-24

I purchased this CD to sample some of the pieces of Rimsky-Korsakov that I did not already own. The CD is a compilation of recognized conductors. The performances are competent, if not really inspired. Rimsky-Korsakov offers very listenable, approachable music and very rich orchestration. But this is a sampler, where most pieces are incomplete. If you are ready to jump in with both feet, purchase Scheherazade & Russian Easter Overture by Jose Serebrier, Scherazade & Cappricio Espanol by Mackerras/LSO, and Neeme Jarvi on Chandos ($$) for the rest.

I was first put off by the sonics of this CD, particularly the dynamic range, but this varies with each of the many recorded pieces.

In its favor, this CD is inexpensive, but don't expect to receive more than what you pay.

OUTSTANDING.......2002-09-16

This is a good selection of outstanding works of one of the best Russian composers. I enjoyed it very much.

Fun CD.......2002-01-29

I really appreciated the variety on this CD, from the light, bouncy bumblebee to the more bombastic pieces. I think this makes a really good intro to Korsakov's works.

Average customer rating: Knocks me over every time Uncharacteristically poor WELL-BALANCED RECORDING If all you own is a phonograph... Wonderful Sheherezade, Terrible 1812

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherezade; Tchaikovsky / Karajan Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Holst: The Planets Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie Dvorák: Symphonie No. 9; Smetana: Moldau Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade ASIN: B00004R7X5 Release Date: 2000-06-13

Tracks:

1. Symphonic Suite: Scheherazade, Op. 35: 1. Largo e maestoso - Lento - Allegro non troppo - Tranquillo
2. Symphonic Suite: Scheherazade, Op. 35: 2. Lento - Andantino - Allegro molto - Vivace scherzando - Moderato assai - Allegro molto ed animato
3. Symphonic Suite: Scheherazade, Op. 35: 3. Andantino quasi allegretto
4. Symphonic Suite: Scheherazade, Op. 35: 4. Allegro molto - Lento - Vivo - Allegro non troppo e maestoso - Lento - Tempo come I
5. Capriccio Italien, Op. 45: Andante un poco rubato - Allegro moderato - Andante - Allegro moderato - Presto - Piu presto - Prestissimo
6. Ouverture solennelle '1812', Op. 49: Largo - Andante - Allegro giusto - Largo - Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews:

Knocks me over every time.......2006-04-11

von Karajan stages a wonderful performance of a wonderful piece, Scheherazade, and a phenomenal performance of a phenomenal piece - Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. When I compare this version of the 1812 to its performances by Minneapolis, NY Phil, and Chicago, this one alone is packed with fire and brimstone for the entire ride. As other reviewers have pointed out, the Berlin Phil is uncharacteristically unpolished, but the sheer power and soul with which their performance captivates me makes me not care one bit that the choir is a tad loose or that the orchestra could have used another rehearsal. This is hands down my favorite 1812. Call me crazy; call me what you like - but when I listen to the other versions I invariably wish I instead had played this one.

Uncharacteristically poor.......2004-03-11

Karajan is often criticized for the homogenized sound of his later recordings, yet he made some exceptional ones during his long career. The beauty of the string playing in this recording of Scheherazade is certainly appealing, and the violin solos are gorgeous, as others have noted.

This well-loved music based loosely on the Arabian Nights is redolent with innocence, wonder and mystery. It has earned its place among the most popular classical works ever written. However, Karajan pulls and nudges at lines throughout, distorting the dramatic flow of Rimsky-Korsakov's score and, especially in the inner movements, the sense of magic that makes Scheherazade so engaging is thereby lost.

More problematic is the brass. The unpolished play is evident in Scheherazade, but is so sloppy and disjointed in the other two pieces on the disc that those works are seriously marred. Even those unfamiliar with the music will notice the miscues, the undisciplined honking and braying. Other reviewers have already mentioned further problems with the Tchaikovsky pieces.

Overall, it is difficult to recommend this disc, even at mid-price. The Penguin Guide remarks that this is not one of Karajan's best. There are many competitive recordings available that would be more satisfying. The recording by Mackerras with the London Symphony is very well done, with excellent Telarc sound. The recording by Serebrier with the same orchestra on Reference Recordings offers state-of-the-art sonics and is coupled with a very fine performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's compelling Russian Easter Overture.

WELL-BALANCED RECORDING.......2001-01-17

The distinction this recording of Sheherzade is its sonic balance between soft and loud passages. This is especially evident in the third section. Other recordings tend to soften the volume here, with the result of making the movement practically inaudible at lower volume settings; this recording's third movement has no such defect. The DG engineers were not "afraid to turn up the volume." The strings are glowing and the double basses truly resonante in the third movement. The recording, strangely, does have thinner low-end resonance in the other three movements. Nevertheless, this is more than compensated by the even-handed treatment the DG engineers gave the overall recording. The orchestra's playing is the typically excellent quality one would expect from the Berlin PO and Herbert von Karjan.

The Capriccio Italiane is among the most enjoyable and powerful interpretations I have heard. The playing is energetic and the sound is full-blooded, though slightly thin on the low-end. Karajan's account of the 1812 Overture is an added bonus to the disc, bringing the total time to nearly 80 minutes.

I would recommend this historic 1967 recording as an addition to one's collection of Sheherazade recordings. It is a reference to an earlier age, in which more primitive sound quality simply gives way to the musical gifts of one of the world's great orchestra-conductor pairings.

If all you own is a phonograph..........2001-01-11

...then this is the recording for you. Unfortunately, those of us who own modern digital systems might find this a disappointing buy. The Scherezade is gorgeous and passionate and the 1812 is firey, but the 1969 recording lacks the pure highs and the resonant lows that one would expect. Furthermore, the choir on the 1812 is weak, unbalanced, and stages an ear-tweaking vocal free-for-all. I would heartily recommend this album to anyone who is looking for a profound Scheherezade, and whose sound system is older than I am. -Michael Richardson, 21

Wonderful Sheherezade, Terrible 1812.......2000-09-26

The Sheherezade is awesome...and as the Penguin guide and the first reviewer point out, the violin solos are gorgeous. Karajan conducts with passion and the orchestral color is brilliant. The 1812 Overture though sounds rushed and overpolished. I enjoyed hearing the choral introduction used in this 1812, but it just lacks spirit. The cannon sounds don't quite sound like cannons either. I'm not sure what he used. Buy this CD for the Sheherezade...

Average customer rating: A powerful and wonderful CD POWERFUL , and AWESOME!!! A must

Panorama: Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Panorama: Modest Mussorgsky Panorama: Frederic Chopin Schubert: 8 Symphonies Borodin: Symphony No.2/In The Steppes Of Central Asia/Prince Igor Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 ASIN: B00004W3IY Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

1. Sheherazade, Op. 35: The Sea and Sinbad's Ship - Michel Schwalbe
2. Sheherazade, Op. 35: The Story Of The Kalander Prince - Michel Schwalbe
3. Sheherazade, Op. 35: The Young Prince and The Young Princess - Michel Schwalbe
4. Sheherazade, Op. 35: Festival At Baghdad - The Sea - Shipwreck - Michel Schwalbe
5. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso - Berliner Philharmoniker
6. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Variazioni. Andante con moto - Berliner Philharmoniker
7. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso - Berliner Philharmoniker
8. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Scena e canto gitano. Allgretto - Berliner Philharmoniker
9. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Fandango asturiano - Berliner Philharmoniker
10. The Flight Of The Bumblebee - Michel Schwalbe
11. Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op.36 - Concertgebouw Orchestra

Tracks:

1. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: Suite, Op. 57: The Tsar's Departure and Farewell - Philharmonia Orchestra
2. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: Suite, Op. 57: The Tsarina In A Barrel At Sea - Philharmonia Orchestra
3. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: Suite, Op. 57: The Three Wonders - Philharmonia Orchestra
4. Symphony No. 2 (Symphonic Suite), Op. 9 'Antar': Largo - Allegro - Largo - Allegretto - Adagio - Allegretto - Largo - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
5. Symphony No. 2 (Symphonic Suite), Op. 9 'Antar': Allegro - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
6. Symphony No. 2 (Symphonic Suite), Op. 9 'Antar': Allegro risoluto - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
7. Symphony No. 2 (Symphonic Suite), Op. 9 'Antar': Allegretto - Adagio - Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
8. The Golden Cockerel: Suite: Introduction And Dodon's Sleep - Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureax
9. The Golden Cockerel: Suite: King Dodon On The Battlefield - Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureax
10. The Golden Cockerel: Suite: Queen of Shamakha's Dance - King Dodon's Dance - Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureax
11. The Golden Cockerel: Suite: Wedding Procession - Death Of King Dodon - Finale - Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureax

Customer Reviews:

A powerful and wonderful CD.......2005-11-08

The performances are superb. The sound quality is excellent. It is a fine choice of works by Rimsky-Korsakov (over 2 hours and 35 minutes of music). We hear one of my favorite performances of Sheherazade. And the Capriccio Espagnol. The Flight of the Bumblebee. The Tsar Saltan Suite, the Golden Cockerel Suite, the Russian Easter Festival Overture. And the Second symphony. These are all dramatic works by a master of orchestration.

I highly recommend this two-disc set.

POWERFUL , and AWESOME!!!.......2004-07-11

The power that radiates from the instruments in Scheherezade is magnificient. Please, I know this line of CD's are expensive, but they are worth it. The sound is incredible! if you turn it up real loud, while listening through the headphones, you can hear the people taking their breaths before they play, dropping various items such as mallets, and sticks! Thats just how sensitive the sound is. Out of 10 stars, i give it Infinity stars...every time I listen to it, it gets better, and better, and better............

A must.......2002-12-14

Buy this CD. Don't think about it. Just buy it. I, personally, bought this CD because of the fact that it had Sheherazade (an incredibly moving and colorful piece). This interpretation of Sheherazade by Karajan is among the best (if not THE best). However, as I began to listen to the rest of the CD I found the other pieces to be equally brilliant and astounding. The flare of Capriccio Espagnol, the dramatic Second Symphony and the simple ingenuity and cheeriness of the Tsar Sultan suite. The piece that I found most surprising was the Russian Easter Festival Overture. This is one of music's most under appreciated pieces in music, and ranks easily belong side Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet or Brahms Academic Festival and Tragic overtures. Its relatively simplistic themes are some of the most exciting and riveting every written. This CD is a must for ANY lover (or of anybody even slightly interested in classical music in general). I would note that the sound quality is excellent as well...if that's a must for some of you.

Average customer rating: Rather strait-laced by Stoki's standards Stokowski is triumphal Stoki's greatest stereo "Scheherazade"

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Russian Easter Overture Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Debussy: Nocturnes No1-3; Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD] Once Upon a Country: A Palestinian Life The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America ASIN: B0007INY4E Release Date: 2005-03-22

Customer Reviews:

Rather strait-laced by Stoki's standards.......2007-07-22

For years collectors sought out and paid a premium for Stokowski's Phase Four Scheherazade, one of the most vivid--one could say lurid--readings of a score that's no stranger to exotic color. This, his previous stereo recording for RCA, is puzzling by comparison. Everything is in place, and the engineers bring every soloist forward for maximum showiness, but Stoki himself seems restrained.

There are many colorful touches, but he doesn't cut loose with abandon except here and there. In grand Stoki style he lusciously perfumes the lovely melody in the Kalendar Prince section. The solo violin is rather chaste, but the brass are allowed free rein. In all, a good reading but not the special thing that Reiner made of Scheherazade on the same label in Living Stereo.

Stokowski is triumphal.......2007-07-13

First, a caveat, I am not an expert of any kind on classical music, nor am I a musician, so what follows is an intuitive response to a beatuiful performance, reincarnated by BMG.

I'm familar with the first movement and its haunting melody. I was not aware, until I read the booklet that came with the record of how highly regarded Stokowski was. His direction and the response of the musicians to it seems to me to be seamlessly knit together, making for a powerfully moving experience. It has been said that music reflects the harmonies of the universe, in this case I'd say the performance opens the beauty of the universal harmonies in a very effective way. I'm glad I like Sheherazade, Op. 35 for it introduced up to me to a great conductor I had not been aeare of in the great Stokowski and his innovative approach to a classic by Rimsky-Korsakov.

Stoki's greatest stereo "Scheherazade".......2007-05-01

For anyone not alive during his lifetime or that hasn't discovered his legend, Leopold Stokowski was one of the most remarkable musicians of the 20th century. Legendary for his score rewriting, his wanton, profligate sexual acumen, his Hollywood reputation (he conducted the score for the Disney film "Fantasia"), and his hundreds of recordings of highly colorful and inflected music like "Scheherazade", Stoki was a one-man show whose reputation was only equalled last century by pianist Artur Rubinstein.

Here's the stereo version of Stokowksi's "Scheherazade" with the Royal Philharmonic that I prefer to his London Symphony Orchestra account that was re-released on Cala about the same time as this came back into circulation. For me, there are two advantages to this issue that make it preferable to the Cala recording:

1. The reocrding has reater depth and more focus on bass line in the concluding movement that renders the overall sound more "Russian" than the London version, whose principal highlight is the outstanding solo work by all the famous soloists. Please note violinist Eric Gruenberg plays the solo part in both recordings.

2. The addition of Stoki's Chicago Symphony Orchestra stereo issue of the "Russian Easter Orchestra" is, in my opinion, a better add-on than the Tchaikovsky included on the London Cala issue. I believe the overture is more temperamentally mated to an hour's listening with Tchaikovsky's "Marche Slav". Add in any old concerto and you have an evening's concert!

Anyone that wants to discover more about Stokowski can look around for his old Philadelphia Orchestra recording in mono that critics have hailed as the most hair-raising version ever of "Scheherazade". For me, this recording has been the most satisfactory performance I've ever heard. It has been in my library continuously since I first acquired it about 1983 on an old RCA Victrola recording. I am pleased it is available again at a low price for a new generation of listeners that never knew Stokowski and his magical wand during his lifetime. He continues to outdo all comers in this music, which was perfectly suited to Stokowski.

For readers just getting introduced to this remarkable conductor, here is a short list of other specialties where Stokowski excelled with his highly perfumed treatments:
-- Resphigi "Pines of Rome".
-- Debussy "La Mer", especially the old London Phase 4 recording now reincarnated by ArkivMusic.
-- Wagner bleeding orchestral chunks for opera, especially his various "synthesis" of orchestral music. Try to locate a copy of his "Ride of the Valkyries" with the vocal score.
-- Ibert "Escales".
-- Vaughan Williams "Fantasia on a Theme of Thomas Tallis".
-- Bach orchestral transcriptions including the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor.
-- His own orchestration of "Pictures At An Exhibition".

See my Listmaina list, "Favorite Stokowski CDs", for more.

Another rule of thumb about Stokowski -- if you are bored listening to any piece of the standard repertory, try ot locate a Stokowski recording to hear it refreshed. You may be shocked and/or dismayed by what he does with the music, but you won't think the same about it again after hearing his rendition.

Average customer rating: Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible: Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player Most Excellent Awesome! Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise...

Orchestral Excerpts For Trumpet Manufacturer: Summit(Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Bartók, Béla | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mahler | Mahler, Gustav | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mussorgsky | Mussorgsky, Modest | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ravel, Maurice | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Respighi | Respighi, Ottorino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Robert Schumann | Schumann, Robert | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Strauss | Strauss, Richard | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Debussy | Debussy, Claude | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concerto Grossi | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Trumpet | Brass | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Magnificats | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Philip Smith, Prinicpal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic David Hickman, Trumpet Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos On the Twentieth Century Sergei Nakariakov - No Limit ASIN: B0000038JG Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

1. Trumpet concerto: Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - Trumpet Concerto
2. Petrouchka
3. Pictures at an Exhibition
4. Leonore Nos. 3&2
5. Ein Heldenleben
6. Symphony No.5
7. Scheherazade
8. Don Juan
9. Fetes
10. Piano Concerto In G
11. Piano Cto. No. 1
12. Pines Of Rome
13. Concerto For Orchestra
14. Carmen Prelude
15. Firebird Suite
16. Parsifal Prelude
17. La Mer
18. Symphony No. 2
19. Symphony No. 3 (Post Horn)
20. Capriccio Espagnol
21. American In Paris
22. Magnificat

Customer Reviews:

Orchestral Trumpet Player's Bible:.......2003-05-08

I carry this recording around with me in my case, and listen to it before auditions, concerts, rehearsals, etc. It's simply how the excerpts (along with trumpet playing in general) should sound. Smith's virtuostic playing, coupled with his vast orchestral experience, really teach the parts. All trumpet players, top to bottom, have something to learn from this CD--and while the entire work (with orchestra) and part should be studied (Smith actually recommends this), it is still very useful to hear one of the finest players on earth performing just the trumpet part.

Essential Recording for Any Trumpet Player.......2001-05-24

If any principal orchestral trumpet player has succeeded Adolph Herseth as the "state of the art," the probable consensus among his peers would be Philip Smith of the New York Philharmonic. His virtually flawless technique, gourgeous sound, rarified musicianship and exceptional leadership make him virtually unique in his field, and his more than 20 years with the Philharmonic (plus his early years with the Chicago Symphony) have firmly established him as one of the greats in the history of orchestral brass performance.

Measured simply as a documentation of his skills, this recording would be an extraordinary document - the playing throughout is stupendous. But this is much more than that; Mr. Smith proves to be as articulate (mild "New Yoahk" accent and all) as he is talented, and his performance suggestions are truly helpful, even for those of us without his superhuman abilities. The recorded sound is superb, and overall this is a joy to listen to at every level. I recommend it without reservation for any trumpet player aspiring to a higher level of musicianship and performance - and if you play it at full volume shortly after your warmup, your neighbors will be very impressed.

Most Excellent.......1999-12-13

As a trumpet player, I must say that Phil Smith's comments during each track are immensely beneficial. His thoughts have produced profound understanding in my trumpet playing, and despite the fact that this CD is intended as a grouping of Phil Smith's insights into common Orchestral Excerpts and his following demonstration, I have countless times listened out of pure enjoyment than to gain expert insight. His tone is the most beautiful I have ever heard, and it shows on this CD. I recommend this particularly for any aspiring trumpet student.

Awesome!.......1999-10-25

The previous reviewer of this CD missed the point of the CD. Lets say your working on the Carmern Prelude or Stravinsky Pétrouchka you buy this CD, and learn how Philip Smith (one of the greatest symphonic trumpet players in the world) would interpret and play it. Thats why its entitled Orchestra Trumpet Excerpts.

Excellent for aspiring trumpet players, otherwise..........1999-05-31

This CD would be excellent for aspiring orchestral trumpeters and soloists; although Philip Smith conveys his expertise exceptionally well, this short snips of music on this CD are no substitute for the actual full-orchestra recordings.

Average customer rating: Cadenza A classic that survives because of Beecham's infectious good humor Extraordinarily charismatic Great performance, not-so-ideal recording technique. Ablaze with Color

Great Recordings Of The Century - Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Borodin: Polovtsian Dances / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Sir Thomas Beecham Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Borodin | Borodin, Alexander | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Romances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Great Recordings Of The Century - Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue, Concerto in F, American in Paris / Previn, London SO Grieg: Peer Gynt Op23; Symphonic Dances Op64 Bizet: Symphony in C; L'Arlésienne Suites Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Symphonies nos. 3, 5, & 6 / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade for orchestra Op35; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale ASIN: B00000IOBM Release Date: 1999-05-04

Tracks:

1. Scheherazade, Op.35: The Sea and Sinbad's Ship
2. Scheherazade, Op.35: The Story of the Kalender Prince
3. Scheherazade, Op.35: The Young Prince and the Young Princess
4. Steven Staryk: The Festival of Bagdad - The Sea - The Ship goes to pieces on a Rock surmounted by a Bronze Warrior
5. Polovtsian Dances ('Prince Igor', Act ll): Introduction: Andantino
6. Polovtsian Dances ('Prince Igor', Act ll): Allegro vivo
7. Polovtsian Dances ('Prince Igor', Act ll): Allegro
8. Polovtsian Dances ('Prince Igor', Act ll): Presto
9. Polovtsian Dances ('Prince Igor', Act ll): Moderato alla breve
10. Polovtsian Dances ('Prince Igor', Act ll): Presto
11. Polovtsian Dances ('Prince Igor', Act ll): Allegro con spirito

Customer Reviews:

Cadenza.......2007-04-30

Of all the recordings of Scheherazade by Rismsky-Korsakov, the one conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham is the performance that is most generous to his musicians. Each cadenza is given such exquisite freedom, the woodwinds particularly, that the solo musician can truly explore the glorious expression of Rimsky-Korsakov. Cadenzas in the Story of the Kalander Prince, the second movement, are so beautifully syncopated, patient here, passionate there, forceful there; so beautifully dynamic, quietly reliant on a single clear note or loud enough to where the instrument is abuzz with natural harmonics. And the final movement of the piece, Shipwreck, here Sir Thomas, more than any other conductor, lets the tapestry of music unravel until there is nothing left but this one last, long golden thread of solo violin.

A classic that survives because of Beecham's infectious good humor.......2006-07-13

Beecham conducted music with a smile, a rare gift that other conductors who possess better techniques and more virtuosic orchestras must envy. This 1958 Scheherazade remains a classic because it flows so naturally and unfolds with such good humor. In the U.S. many collectors automatically reach for Reiner's ultra-polished, stupendously played Living Stereo recording on RCA, whereas in the U.K. collectors just as automatically reach for Beecham.

By comparison, the Royal Phil. isn't a virtuoso ensemble, but their feeling for the music, their supple flexibility and relaxed phrasing outstrip Reiner's cool-sounding Chicago Sym. I love both recordings--and several by Stokowski, who is more flagrantly showing off--but if it came down to a desert-island choice, I think I'd go with the more humane, less spectacular Beecham. EMI's recorded sound is quite open and natural, also, showing its age only in a bit of snarl in the loudest tutties. Woodwinds ae deightfully prominent, strings are recessed.

Extraordinarily charismatic.......2004-09-03

This review is basically the same as the one I wrote for an earlier CD
reissue of this fine recording. Now that it has been rereleased as a
Great Recording of the Century, it will get the attention it deserves.

Beecham's recording of Scheherazade has not been out of print ever since
it was first released in 1958. It is quite simply the best recording of
Rimsky-Korsakov's finest work. The sound quality of the recording is
excellent for its time, and the engineers for the CD have done a good
job. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra plays fabulously well, and
Beecham brings out all of the mystery, sensuality and barbarism that
used to be associated with the Orient. The notes that come with the
recording describe it best: "extraordinarily charismatic". It is not an
exaggeration. No one does the violin solos better than concertmaster
Steven Staryk, and Jack Brymer's clarinet solos are also brillant.

As a bonus, this CD also has the best recording of Borodin's Polovtsian
Dances I have ever heard. Unlike most recordings of these dances,
excerpted from "Prince Igor", it includes the choral voices just as they
are in the opera (in English, rather than Russian, though).

Great performance, not-so-ideal recording technique........2003-08-25

Sir Thomas Beecham's recording was my first Scheherazade CD. In many ways it remains an outstanding performance of Rimsky's beloved masterpiece. There is a pleasing suppleness to the musical phrasing, an irresistible propulsion from start to finish, and much attention to detail. Having had access to the CD section of a music library, I have hear many other Scheherazades and few, in my opinion, manage to even equal Beecham's reading. Mackerras' and Kondrashin's modern versions are its main rivals. Get all three of these if you can, each is indispensable in its own way.

With regards to the recording acoustics, there has been an on-going tendency of lovers of Beecham's disc to proclaim its superiority over Mackerras, Kondrashin's or any other modern digital version by citing Beecham's attention to detail. In actuality that has a lot to do with the primitive closely-miked recording techniques employed by 1950s EMI engineers. As a result you get to oooh-and-ahh when you hear the delicious close-up bowing of the cellos and violas in the quieter passages of the first movement. However, when the rest of the orchestra (especially the brass) start joining in, you then realize (horrors!) the congested acoustics of this recording. Be not mistaken, this is a finely-reburbished 1950s recording, but it cannot touch the naturally distanced/proportioned, spacious acoustics of digital discs like Mackerras'. Do not be fooled, like some professional critics have been, that the wealth of close-up instrumental details available in Beecham's CD means that his performance is superior to modern CDs. (This is how we get all of this perpetuated rubbish that ALL vintage 50s CDs can never be surpassed. Hmph.)

In summary, this vintage Scheherazade is one not to be without but ideally it should also not be the single version in your music collection. A finely recorded modern version of Scheherazade is also a must.

Ablaze with Color.......2002-11-02

Years and years ago I came across Beecham's wonderful recording of Rimsky-Korsakov's most famous piece while listening to NPR. The channel has since gone to talk format, but I still greatly enjoy this classic disc.

Scheherazade is given both space and atmosphere by Beecham and the RPO. The first time I heard it was while driving around on an autumn evening--the leaves the color of gold and flame. I cannot help but feel the same colorscape whenever I hear this piece now.

This disc is loaded with excellent, colorful, wondrous music. At mid-price, this is a "must-have."

Music Review:

1. Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade/Respighi: Fontane Di Roma
2. Romantic Moments: Classical Music for Lovers (Box Set) [Box set]
3. Rossini: Barbiere di Siviglia; Semiramide
4. Schubert: Symphony No. 8 "Unfinished"; Symphony No. 3; Rosamunde Overture
5. Tchaikovsky: Symphony 6 "Pathétique" / Romeo and Juliet / Chabrier: España / Karajan
6. Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto; Serenade for Strings
7. Tenor Masterpieces, Vol.1
8. Tenor Masterpieces, Vol. 2
9. Tenor Masterpieces, Vol. 3
10. Tenor Masterpieces, Vol. 4

Music Review

music review

Music Review

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