Scheherazade & Other Stories [Import]

Product Description
1994 reissue on Repertoire of the prog icon's 1975 album forBTM, featuring their interpretation of Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Scheherazade' and a full orchestra complete with strings. Four tracks total. 'Songs Of Scheherazade' is a nine part suite.

Scheherazade & Other Stories,Renaissance,Repertoire,Pop,Popular Music,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop

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Scheherazade & Other Stories [Import]

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 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 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 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 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: 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: This does NOT have extra tracks... AND ... Same quality as Turn of the Cards great stuff An aquired taste... Not Rimsky-Korsakov's

Scheherazade & Other Stories Renaissance Manufacturer: Repertoire ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Progressive | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Turn of the Cards Ashes Are Burning Novella Live at Carnegie Hall Song for All Seasons ASIN: B0000073BG Release Date: 1994-09-30

Tracks:

1. Trip to the Fair
2. Vultures Fly High
3. Ocean Gypsy
4. Song of Scheherazade: Fanfare/The Betrayal/The Sultan/Love ...

Album Description

1994 reissue on Repertoire of the prog icon's 1975 album forBTM, featuring their interpretation of Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Scheherazade' and a full orchestra complete with strings. Four tracks total. 'Songs Of Scheherazade' is a nine part suite.

Album Details

Scheherazade & Other Stories', the Alt/Prog Rockers Renaissance's 1975 Recording Originally Issued on the Btm Label, was Rereleased by Repertoire in 1994. Features an Interpretation of the Russian Composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Piece 'Scheherazade' plus Three Other Tracks. Includes a Biographical Essay About the Band by Mark Brennan. Recorded at the Legendary Abbey Road Studios.

Customer Reviews:

This does NOT have extra tracks... AND ..........2007-07-10

it seems Amazon isnt listing the 2006 remastered version (REP 5080)-german import-
and the sound is STUNNING.
It comes in a LP mini sleeve with a very nice insert.
No FBI logo, no UPC code on cover-they put love into this, one of 3 remasterings, and used a sticker on the outer cellophane wrapper instead.

Same quality as Turn of the Cards.......2007-06-05

I used to own 1001 Arabian Nights Vol. 1 during the 1990's and I lost the CD. I bought this one and Turn to replace it this year. If I am not mistaken, 1001 is a live CD and this is all studio music. I gave it a 4 star review because it seems like it belongs together with Turn on one set plus there are no extras or lyrics on the CD for the price. Still an all-time favorite for me, o my love.

great stuff.......2007-05-14

I have been looking for this cd for a while.
I had the lp but haven't listened to it for years

An aquired taste..........2007-03-13

Definately not an album for everyone, yet Annie Haslam's vocals and John Wetton's bass playing drive this LP into the higher echelon of 70's prog rock.
Suffering from a lack of a strong lead guitarist, this album is sometimes too heavily keyboard dominated, but the music is strong and Renaissance reaches it's goal of translating the premise of the Arabian Nights into modern times.

Not Rimsky-Korsakov's.......2006-11-01

I love Renaissance and I love this album. However, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, despite what Amazon says in it's blurb.

Amazon really should not allow its ignorance of music to show, particularly on a music site! They should hire only informed people to review albums. The blurb trumpeting Renaissance's "interpretation of Rimsky-Korsakov" is frankly embarrassing to read.

RM's Scherazade is one of my favorite musical pieces and it shouldn't be confused with this album, no matter how good it is.

By the way, Rimsky's is far better. I'm not knocking Renaissance. It just is! I think Mick Dunford would agree. His music sounds heavily influenced by Russian composers.

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 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: Batiz is a true Russian Opulent and Dramatic So what were you doing in 1887 and 1888? Review of Sheherezade, Tsar Sultan - Batiz, Philharmonia Review of Sheherezade, Tsar Sultan - Batiz, Philharmonia

Rimsky-Korsakov: Sheherazade, Op. 35; The Tale of the Tsar Saltan, Op. 57 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | 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 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sheherazade / Russian Easter Overture Rimsky-Korsakov: Sheherazade; Capriccio espagnol The NPR Guide to Building a Classical CD Collection : The 350 Essential Works Chopin, Liszt: Piano Concertos / Martha Argerich, London Symphony Orchestra Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites/ Holberg Suite ASIN: B0000013X7 Release Date: 1994-01-28

Tracks:

1. Shehrazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
2. Shehrazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Kalender Prince
3. Shehrazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
4. Shehrazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35: Festival At Baghdad - The Sea
5. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Musical Pictures, Op. 57: The Tsar's Farewell And Departure
6. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Musical Pictures, Op. 57: The Tsarina In A Barrel At Sea
7. The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Musical Pictures, Op. 57: The Three Wonders

Customer Reviews:

Batiz is a true Russian.......2007-03-27

I bought this disc many years ago, with several Sheherazade's in my collection--none of which were really my favorite. I didn't expect this one to be, either, but I wanted to hear Batiz's take on the "Little Pictures" from Tsar Saltan. As it was a Naxos Cd (when Naxos cd's were still only 4.99 or so), I snapped it up on a whim and brought it home to listen...

Goosebumps. I have never heard Sheherzade shimmer with such technicolor brilliance; not shrill, surface brilliance, but sumptuous, warm, intoxicating perfumes from the Oriental haze of 19th century Russia. Batiz is an ideal interpreter of the late Romantic repertoire, as he has excelled in Respighi, Liadov, and Rachmaninov (great version of the Symphonic Dances & Isle of the Dead also on Naxos). This version is just so incredibly lovely; everything shines, the orchestral plays their hearts out, and Rimsky's melodies defy the imagination with their perfection and timelessness (did such melodies ever NOT exist? It seems too impossible to fathom). The finale is truly the most exciting ever committed to disc, with hair-raising turns and dashes, the spray of the sea, the clash of swords, and Sheherazade's voice uniting the whole motley display. Try to listen to the entire thing without hitting repeat...

Equally atmospheric and exciting is Batiz's rendition of the Little Pictures from Tsar Saltan. If you don't know them, each one is a little gem, the first one a sprightly march (with one of Rimsky's great tunes), followed by a dark evocation of a stormy sea tossing a barrel (with maiden trapped inside) recklessly about. The Finale brings a parade of knights soaring on the waters, and ends with one of his most romantic melodies, providing an utterly convincing happy ending. I've heard some pretty prosaic accounts of this score, but Batiz understands every twist and turn of it. He truly makes this music speak with its own unique accent, that heady mix of French inspired Russian-Germanic symphonia.

I recently had to burn a new copy of this disc for myself since it has too many travel marks (from going from my portable cd booklet to the cd and back over the decade and a half I've owned it!).

Opulent and Dramatic.......2005-06-26

Rimsky-Korsakov’s Symphonic Suite Op. 35 of 1888 is rightly one of the most popular pieces of 19th century post-Berlioz romanticism, originally conceived by the composer as a series of tableaux representing scenes from “A Thousand and One Nights” and later given programmatic titles: “The Sea and Sindbad’s Ship”, “The Story of Prince Kalender”, “Prince and Princess” and “Festival in Baghdad”. A solo violin is combined with a large orchestra with plenty of percussion, intertwining themes representing the sultan and Scheherazade, the princess who told him such fascinating stories that he desisted from killing her. Mexican conductor Enrique Bátiz opts for an opulent version with an excellent David Nolan as solo violinist and some delightful percussion from the Philharmonia Orchestra London on this 1992 recording from St. Barnabas’s Church in Mitcham (a suburb of London). The recorded sound is better than on many earlier eastern European productions from Naxos, offering quite a full panorama, although I felt that one of the “majors” would probably have managed it just a little better. – The “Musical Pictures” from “Tsar Saltan” are not the usually played suite with the “Flight of the Bumble Bee” but rather three scenes from the opera which were given a separate performance before the opera itself was ever staged. There is a good deal of drama here and plenty to excite prospective Rimsky-Korsakov fans; I myself look forward to listening to more of his music in the future.

So what were you doing in 1887 and 1888?.......2001-12-11

I started with the Scheherazade from the London Symphony Orchestra (Sir Charles Mackerras) and this one is BETTER (Enrique Batiz). The conducting is not quite the same such as there is much better use of percussion such as gongs, cymbals and triangles. The violin soloist (David Nolan) here is better than Kees Hulsmann as on the more expensive disk.

This "Scheherazade" is better, also, because it is coupled with "The Tale of Tsar Saltan", another story from the Arabian Nights, as opposed to "Capriccio Espagnol". "Tsar Saltan" is sensitive and melodic, shows good use of triangles and brass, has superb orchestration and conducting, and finishes with a dramatic fluorish.

A criticism: The violin soloist (David Nolan) is not mentioned in the liner notes. (...)

Review of Sheherezade, Tsar Sultan - Batiz, Philharmonia.......1999-11-30

This is truly one of the best offerings of Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherezade. What impresses me most whenever I listen to this CD is the excellent violin work by the Philharmonia soloist.

Review of Sheherezade, Tsar Sultan - Batiz, Philharmonia.......1999-11-30

This is truly one of the best offerings of Rimsky-Korsakov's Sheherezade. What impresses me most whenever I listen to this CD is the excellent violin work by the Philharmonia soloist.

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...

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