Rimsky-Korsakov: Antar; Russian Easter Festival

1. Russian Easter Festival Overture (Svetlïy pazdnik), for orchestra, Op. 36
Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Evgeny Svetlanov

2. Symphonic Suite: "Antar" (iii), for orchestra (Symphony No. 2), Op. 9
Composed by Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov
Performed by London Philharmonia Orchestra Conducted by Evgeny Svetlanov

Rimsky-Korsakov: Antar; Russian Easter Festival,Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov,Evgeny Svetlanov,Philharmonia,Philharmonia Orchestra of London,Hyperion,Classical,Classical Music,Orchestral,Orchestral & Symphonic,Romantic Overture for Orchestra,Romantic Symphony,Symphonic

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:

Rimsky-Korsakov: Antar; Russian Easter Festival Manufacturer: Hyperion UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00009WQVA Release Date: 2003-10-14

Average customer rating: A good choice for a classical music library Gran Seleccion Excellent Recordings of Rimsky-Korsakov's Best Music A little stiff, but with some great aspects Best

Rimsky-Korsakov: Great Orchestral Works Manufacturer: Philips 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 Tone Poems | 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 General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rimsky-Korsakov: Suites Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade for orchestra Op35; Russian Easter Festival Overture Op36 Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade/Capriccio Espagnol Mozart: The Great Piano Concertos, Vol. 2 Dvorák: The Symphonies ASIN: B0000041AO Release Date: 1995-02-21

Tracks:

1. Capricio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada -
2. Capricio espagnol, Op. 34: Variazioni -
3. Capricio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada
4. Capricio espagnol, Op. 34: Scena en canto gitano
5. Capricio espagnol, Op. 34: Fandango asturiano
6. May Night: May Night - Overture
7. Sadko, Op. 5: Sadko, Op. 5 - Musical Picture
8. The Snow Maiden (Suite): 1. Introduction
9. The Snow Maiden (Suite): 2. Danse des oiseaux
10. The Snow Maiden (Suite): 3. Cortege
11. The Snow Maiden (Suite): 4. Danse des bouffons
12. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: 1. Tsar's Farewell And Departure
13. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: 2. Tsarina In A Barrel At Sea
14. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: 3. Flight Of The Bumble-Bee
15. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: 4. The Three Wonders

Tracks:

1. The Golden Cockerel - Suite: 1. Tsar Dodon In His Palace
2. The Golden Cockerel - Suite: 2. Tsar Dodon On Campaign
3. The Golden Cockerel - Suite: 3. Tsar Dodon As Guest Of The Queen Of Shemakha
4. The Golden Cockerel - Suite: 4. The Wedding And Lamentable End Of Dodon
5. Symphony No. 2, Op. 9 Antar: 1. Largo - Allegro giocoso - Adagio - Largo - (Tempo I) - Alegretto vivace - Adagio - Allegretto vivace - Largo (Tempo I)
6. Symphony No. 2, Op. 9 Antar: 2. Allegro - Molto allegro - Meno mosso, allargando - Allegro (Tempo I)
7. Symphony No. 2, Op. 9 Antar: 3. Allegro risoluto alla marcia
8. Symphony No. 2, Op. 9 Antar: 4. Allegretto vivace - Andante amoroso - Animato assai - Tempo I
9. Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op. 36

Amazon.com

Rimsky-Korsakov is universally acknowledged as a great master of the orchestra. He even wrote a textbook on the subject consisting entirely of examples from his own music! He needed some sort of pictorial or literary stimulus to really get his imagination going, however. His "abstract pieces," like Symphonies No. 1 and 3, are comparative failures specifically because he believed that symphonic thought was incompatible with orchestral brilliance (he wasn't the only Romantic composer to succumb to that fallacy). So all of his best music is either obviously illustrative, or taken from one of his colorful "fairy tale" operas. This two-disc set gives you an excellent selection of works of both types at a great price. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A good choice for a classical music library.......2007-01-21

An excellent selection of Rimsky-Korsakov's works, faultlessly performed and recorded.

Gran Seleccion.......2004-12-10

De Rimsky-Korsakov escuchar el Capricho espagnol, la obertura para la Pascua Rusa, el vuelo del moscardon y otras de sus obras son cosa de todo los dias, pero unir a ellos la sinfonia Nº2 Antar, la bellisima Dama de las nieves, la exquisita Sadko o la sublime Noche de Mayo es genial y todos en un Cd grandioso.
Son interpretaciones geniales con espiritu ruso, con animo universal, con fuerza con sublimidad con fervor si se quiere y de esplendida forma, la Sinfonica de Rotterdam suena genial y David Zimann se esmera en asombrarnos con obras comunes y otras no tanto, que lograran nuestra grata atencion.
Donde disminuye el puntaje y el gran logro de Zimann como siempre es en las comparaciones, el capricho español mas notable y recomendado es el de Ormandy, al igual que la Gran Pascua Rusa (de la que Järvi tambien tiene una gran version), para la Sinfonia Antar nadie mejor que Evgevni Svetlanov con la Orquesta del Estado Ruso.
De lo demas una gran coleccion en un CD de coleccion.

Excellent Recordings of Rimsky-Korsakov's Best Music.......2004-05-26

This two-CD set contains excellent recordings of Rimsky-Korsakov's best orchestral works (aside from Scheherazade, which they assume you already have) in demonstration-quality digital sound. The Cappricio Espagnole is probably the best recording I've ever heard of this work, with perfect tempos and a colorful orchestral pallette. The sound quality here is really outstanding. The May Night Overture and Sadko are done very well--exciting and colorful--and the Snow Maiden excerps are very well played. The Tsar Sultan Suite is very menacing and atmospheric--Zinman's conducting is flawless. The Golden Cockrel is very exotic and colorful, with just the right tempos(unlike Jarvi) and superb sound. The Antar is a very fine performance, if not the best one out there(try Kees Bakel and Malaysian PO). Although I understand what the customer who said it's the worse performance ever didn't like, I still respectfully disagree. Although Zinman does rush through the second and third movements, they still sound exciting and the Rotterdam Philharmonic are in top form throughout. The outer movements fare much better. The Russian Eater Overture is one of the best out there, probably second only to Spano/Atlanta(better than Zinman's Baltimore performance). Overall, this CD set is a must own for those looking for great performances of RK's best orchestral music.

A little stiff, but with some great aspects.......2001-03-28

The interpretations are a bit thick, and the conducting is a little distasteful. Its one of the worst performances of Antar I've ever heard. The third movement is moved so quickly and without any sense of majesty, and the second movement gives no sense of anticipation -- there's no buildup or satisfying apex. Overall, I think it is performed here as an ordinary symphony, ignoring the fact that Antar is actually a series of tone poems.

A few other disappointments, like a meandering "Sadko" and a few surprisingly tepid portions of "The Tsar Sultan."

I do think, however, that Capriccio Espagnol is performed very well, with great attention spent on percussion (great percussion pervails throughout both discs). The Russian Easter Overture is played with careful attention to its cultural origins and rates among the better performances I've heard. And Le Coq D'Or is overall pretty decent.

I would recommend this one to anyone who isn't offended by lukewarm performances of Rimsky, and is who is just looking for a collection of his orchestral works for less-involved purposes.

Best.......1999-02-18

It is basically the only cd pack that I am happy with that features Rimsky-Korsakov's suites on.

Average customer rating: A New Romantic Performance Era A new romantic performance erra

Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol Op34; Russian Easter Festival Overture Op36 Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | 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 | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000000AB0 Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1, Op. 1 In E Minor: I. Largo assai - Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1, Op. 1 In E Minor: II. Andante tranquillo
3. Symphony No. 1, Op. 1 In E Minor: III. Scherzo: Vivace
4. Symphony No. 1, Op. 1 In E Minor: IV. Allegro assai
5. Symphony No. 2 'Antar', Op. 9: I. Largo - Allegro giocoso
6. Symphony No. 2 'Antar', Op. 9: II. Allegro
7. Symphony No. 2 'Antar', Op. 9: III. Allegro risoluto alla marcia
8. Symphony No. 2 'Antar', Op. 9: IV. Allegretto vivace
9. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: I. Alborada: Vivo e strepitoso -
10. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: II. Variaziono: Andante con moto -
11. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: III. Alborada: Vivo e strepitoso -
12. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: IV. Scena e canto gitano: Allegretto -
13. Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: V. Fandango asturiano: 66 - Coda. Vivo - Presto

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 32 - 1886 Version: I. Moderato assai - Allegro
2. Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 32 - 1886 Version: II. Scherzo: Vivo -- Trio: Moderato
3. Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 32 - 1886 Version: III. Andante
4. Symphony No. 3 In C Major, Op. 32 - 1886 Version: IV. Allegro con spirito
5. Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36: Lento mistico - Andante lugubre, sempre alla breve
6. Sadko, Op. 5: Moderato assai - Allegro molto - Allegretto - Poco piu vivo - Moderato assai
7. Piano Concerto In C Sharp Minor, Op. 30: Moderato - Allegretto quasi polacca - Andante mosso - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

A New Romantic Performance Era.......2000-06-19

Many of us started out our classical collections and love of classical music with Rimsky-Korsakov. Our uninitiated ears responded to his lush orchestrations and exotic sounds. This new Kitajenko edition of his 3 symphonies brings back that emotional response to Admiral Korsakov's old chestnuts. Kitajenko takes these pieces at a much slower pace then other recordings, but not because of any lack of virtuosity of the Bergen Philharmonic. The slower pace, clearly how the composer would prefer it, allows each orchestral section to bring out the full emotional impact of this music. Kitayenko integrates the entire series in a masterful manner not letting the power of the orchestra to get out of control, yet he allows each section to exercise their full emotional interpretation of this rediscovered music. The Antar is particularly compelling with musical textures extracted that make the music new to ears that have heard many versions of this symphony. If you want to introduce someone to classical music and have one shot at it, select this CD. I have not had such an emotional response to a performance in many years. The Chandos recording is also up to the performance. Although it gives a coeherent soundstage, each section is allowed to show its stuff since the recording allows the full harmonic detail or all the instruments to be heard in a wonderful clear manner.

A new romantic performance erra.......2000-06-19

Many of you started your classical collections with Rimsky-Korsakov's music. I have many versions of the Antar and his other symphonies and tone poems but none match the pure romantic elegance of this Kitajenko recording. He takes the music at a slower pace then we are all familiar with, but not because of a lack or vertuosity of the Bergen Philharmonic. The music drips with romantic intensity and the still exotic sounds of Admiral Korsakov's orchestrations. The music is tightly played yet Kitajenko allows the orchestrate's various sections to bring out their own emotional interpretations. The result is a performance both well integrated and managed as a whole, yet having an emotional impact that is rare in today's sea of perfect performances. The Chandos recording is impecable allowing each section's highlighted performances to be fully realized on the recording. The full impact of the percussion, woodwinds, brass and strings are not compromized in the recording chain. This set is a must have for the casual classical listener as well as the Romantic or Russian music collector.

Average customer rating: pretty good

Best Of Rimsky-Korsakov Manufacturer: Naxos 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 Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | 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 CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | 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 Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | 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 Similar Items: Best Of Stravinsky Best of Prokofiev The Best of Haydn Best of Schubert The Best of Grieg ASIN: B0000014HP Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

1. Capriccio esagnol, op.34: Alborada -Vivo e strepitoso
2. Variazioni -Andante con moto-
3. Alborada -Vivo e strepitoso-
4. Scena e canto gitano -Allegretto-
5. Fandango asturiano
6. The Young Prince and the Young Princess from Scheherazade, Op. 35
7. Flight of the Bumble-Bee from The Tale of Tsar Saltan, Op. 57
8. Symphony No. 2, Op. 9,
9. Dance of the Tumblers from The Snow Maiden
10. Hindu Song from Sadko
11. Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op. 36
12. Cortege from Mlada
13. Festival at Baghdad - The Sea from Scheherazade, Op. 35

Customer Reviews:

pretty good.......2005-09-07

much of the tracks are very common and available on other collections, however, Russion Easter is not very easy to find. valuable addition to my collection

Average customer rating: Review of the music in a historical context

Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol Op34; Russian Easter Festival Overture Op36 Manufacturer: Chandos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | 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 | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00004W3J8 Release Date: 2000-09-26

Tracks:

1. I. Largo Assai-Allegro
2. II. Andante Tranquillo
3. III. Scherzo: Vivace
4. IV. Allegro Assai
5. I. Largo-Allegro Giocoso
6. II. Allegro
7. III. Allegro Risoluto Alla Marcia
8. IV. Allegretto Vivace
9. I. Alborada. Vivo E Strepitoso- - Lars Erik Ter Jung
10. II. Variazioni. Andante Con Moto- - Lars Erik Ter Jung
11. III. Alborada. Vivo E Strepitoso- - Lars Erik Ter Jung
12. IV. Scena E Canto Gitano. Allegretto- - Lars Erik Ter Jung
13. V. Fandango Asturiano. Vivo-Presto - Lars Erik Ter Jung

Tracks:

1. I. Moderato Assai-Allegro
2. II. Scherzo. Vivo-Trio. Moderato
3. III. Andante
4. IV. Allegro Con Spirito
5. Lento Mistico-Andante Lugubre, Sempre Alla Breve
6. Moderato Assai-Allegro Molto-Allegretto-Poco Piu Vivo-Moderato Assai
7. Moderato-Allegretto Quasi Polacca-Andante Mosso-Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Review of the music in a historical context.......2000-11-04

Any fans of Rimsky-Korsakov, Russian or classical music will enjoy this CD. The works contained on the 2 disk CD, give a great overview to some of Rimsky-Korsakov's finest compositions. The one movement piano concerto is of particular interest, Rimsky-Korsakov could not play piano yet the concerto shows incredible understanding of the instrument and the form. In Rimsky-Korsakov's book "My Musical Life" he comments on a Lisztian influence when composing this piece. The three symphonies display ideals from the "The Mighty Handful"(Balakirev, Moussorgsky, Borodin, Cui and Rimksy-Korsakov) and a shift away from the German hegemony so apparent at the time. The Russian Easter Overture draws on light ecclesiastical references that combine with great orchestration. Sadko(a musical picture) is a tone poem and can also be linked to Liszt, in particular "Ce qu'on entend sur la montagne". Rimsky-Korsakov uses the harmonic and modulatory basis of Liszt's work to depict the "calm surging sea". Capriccio Espagnol displays some of the best orchestration ever written, in the piece Rimsky-Korsakov proves his ingenuity of the art. With this list of orchestral pieces The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra do not deserve anything less than 5 stars

Average customer rating: Classic Interpretations of These Fascinating Works.

Rimsky-Korsakov: 3 Symphonies; Capriccio espagnol; Russian Easter Overture Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Romantic | Symphonies | 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 Similar Items: Miaskovsky: Symphony 6 Dvorák: The Symphonies Rimsky-Korsakov: Suites ASIN: B00000E40B Release Date: 1990-10-25

Customer Reviews:

Classic Interpretations of These Fascinating Works........2006-05-17

Though not as popular as the symphonies of his contemporary, Alexander Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonies are beautiful, well-crafted works with dazzling orchestration and oriental melodies and harmonies. This set, released in 1988, is a collector's item these days. However, DG has re-released it at a budget price.

Starting with the First Symphony, Neeme Jarvi and the Gothenburg Symphony play with hushed intensity. They build the music to the first theme, and it moves quickly than any other version--almost too quickly. Jarvi is intimately familiar with this repertoire and his Gothenburg Orchestra is a virtuosic machine making great music! The rhythms are crisp, the brass formidable, and the strings talented and well-coached. The Andante is gorgeous, and Jarvi moves at a spacious tempo to capture the serenity of it. The Scherzo is spritely and athletic, and the Gothenburg really makes great music here. The finale is full of syncopations and modulations, and Jarvi and the orchestra have the full measure of the festive, victorious tone.

Next, the performance of Antar is very evocative. The orchestra plays well in tune on the difficult mediant modulations. The woodwinds are very fine, indeed. Jarvi conjures the ominous mood needed to make the opening effective. Again, the strings play marvelously, telling the story of the Gul Peri-Nasar as they do. In Antar's second movement, Rimsky develops an intense winding theme in a Mussorgsky-like way. Its stark, direct language is powerful. The orchestra plays with real power and accuracy. Listening to the third movement, one can hear the effect it had on Balakirev's tone poem, Tamara. Many of the same melodic figurations, harmonies, and scorings are present.

Interestingly, Rimsky's Third, one of his least known compositions, has become one of my favorites. Jarvi's woodwinds open with the liturgical-sounding theme, and they play marvelously together. The strings take up the theme and develop it with ease and expertise. Again, the rhythmic integrity required to make it work poses no problems for this great orchestra. Indeed, the following Scherzo was rightly called "a jewel" by Tchaikovsky. In 5/4 meter, it recalls the Scherzo of Borodin's First Symphony in mood, scoring, and form. The orchestra impresses with its virtuosity and enjoyment of the "joke." This performance comes off extremely well and will excite.

Jarvi included the "Overture on Liturgical Themes (Russian Easter Overture)" as a filler. Wow! It is played briskly, and the opening plainchant theme is powerful. As usual, the winds play marvelously in this set. They capture the austerity and joy that both pervade this work. The strings move along quickly as the music progresses. The trombone solos are very nice, and the brass play impressively. Jarvi's orchestra is talented enough to keep a quick pace and still make great music.

Finally, Rimsky's "Capriccio Espagnol" rounds out the set. It is brilliant, glittering, and full of great dancing music. Jarvi understands and loves this music, and you can hear this as he conducts. The players also enjoy it, and they play with passion, fervor, excitement and accuracy. The violin solos are outstanding, and the clarinetist and harpist are both top-notch. This piece, more than most, requires great ensemble and precision to come off well. The finale is quick and exciting, and this is one of the best performances of the "Capriccio" I have heard.

Do not hesitate to pick this set up. It has been reissued at a budget price. However, the cover artwork and collector's status make this particular set more attractive. Plus, the liner notes are well-written and informative. Wait to buy this set used. You'll love it!

Average customer rating:

Hermann Scherchen: Les enregistrements Manufacturer: Tahra ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Berlioz | Berlioz, Hector | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | 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 Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00005BCWY Release Date: 2001-07-10

Average customer rating:

Rimsky-Korsakov: Antar; Russian Easter Festival Manufacturer: Hyperion ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B000002ZN8 Release Date: 1993-11-16

Tracks:

1. Russian Easter Festival: Russian Easter Festival, Op. 36
2. Antar - Third Version: Symphonic Suite, Op. 9: Largo - Allegro - Largo - Allegretto - Adagio - Allegretto - Largo
3. Antar - Third Version: Symphonic Suite, Op. 9: Allegro
4. Antar - Third Version: Symphonic Suite, Op. 9: Allegro risoluto
5. Antar - Third Version: Symphonic Suite, Op. 9: Allegretto - Adagio

Music Review:

1. Rimsky-Korsakov: Opera Suites
2. Schein, Thomas, Richter and others
3. Schnabel: Violin Sonatas
4. Shostakovich: The New Babylon, film score; Suite from Five Days - Five Nights
5. Sibelius: Symphony No. 2; Finlandia; Valse Triste; The Swan of Tuonela
6. Soliloquies
7. Stanford: Serenade Op95; Parry: Nonet in Bf
8. Stanley: 11 Voluntaries
9. Streichquartett
10. Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake Suite/Nutcracker Suite

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Feels Like I'm Flying [CD-single]

Haydn: Sinfonia Concertante; Violin Concertos in C major & G major

Masters of the Mozart Era: 3CD Set Special

Live: Across America

Latin Connection

Historia Musical Romantica

Miracle Worker

God is our Friend/ Catholic

I Lived a Lot in My Time [Live]

Esta Es Mi Historia

Kiss Closed My Eyes

Jubilee on Fire

Godskitchen Direct

Shake a Lil' Somethin'

A World for Her