Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade/Capriccio Espagnol

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Charles Mackerras is an unassuming guy who just makes great music. He's never made a bad record, and his enthusiasms range from Handel to Janácek to Sullivan (he's one of the world's leading authorities on all three). Because he's had no long-term relationship with any specific label, his career hasn't been pushed the way, say, Herbert von Karajan's was, but that doesn't make his recordings any less good. In fact, as this brilliant and exciting performance of two Rimsky-Korsakov classics shows, Mackerras is as completely at home in these lush, Romantic orchestral soundscapes as he is in his chosen fields of expertise. Add Telarc's knockout sound to the equation, and what more could you ask for? --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

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

A fine sampler
OUTSTANDING
Fun CD

Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002C5Z
Release Date: 1995-11-14

Tracks:

Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Variazioni. Andante con moto
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Scena e canto gitano
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Fandango asturiano
Sadko: Song of India
The Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers
Le Coq d'or Suite: IV. Introduction and Bridal Procession
Mlada Suite: Procession of the Nobles
Tsar Saltan Suite, Op. 57: Farewell of the Tsar
Russian Easter Overture
Sheherazade Symphonic Suite: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
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.

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

Average customer rating:

A good gift for novice

Passion - Most Famous Orchestral Spectaculars [20 CD Set]

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ASIN: B00012QLTQ
Release Date: 2003-12-09

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:

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

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David Hickman, Trumpet
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Orchestral Excerpts For Horn
Famous Classical Trumpet Concertos

ASIN: B0000038JG
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

Trumpet concerto: Brandenburg Concerto No.2 - Trumpet Concerto
Petrouchka
Pictures at an Exhibition
Leonore Nos. 3&2
Ein Heldenleben
Symphony No.5
Scheherazade
Don Juan
Fetes
Piano Concerto In G
Piano Cto. No. 1
Pines Of Rome
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Carmen Prelude
Firebird Suite
Parsifal Prelude
La Mer
Symphony No. 2
Symphony No. 3 (Post Horn)
Capriccio Espagnol
American In Paris
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.

Panorama: Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov

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

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ASIN: B00004W3IY
Release Date: 2000-10-17

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol

Average customer rating:

Lax and distended -- one of Bernstein's rare duds
Cappriccio Espangol
I'm not crazy....
Absolutely horendous!
Exciting...

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Vivaldi: The Four Seasons
Respighi: Pines Of Rome/Roman Festivals
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ASIN: B00000FCKY
Release Date: 1998-11-24

Tracks:

Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: I. The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: II. The Kalendar Prince
Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: III. The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Sheherazade - Symphonic Suite For Opera, Op. 35: IV. Festival At Baghdad. The Sea. The Shipwreck. Conclusion.
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: I. Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: II. Variazioni. Andante con moto
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: III. Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: IV. Scena e canto gitano. Allegretto
Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: V. Fandango Asturiano

Customer Reviews:

Lax and distended -- one of Bernstein's rare duds.......2007-02-20

Stokowski was famous for pulling Scheherazade out of shape, so that's not a fatal flaw. But in this case Bernstein does it without joy or involvment. You'd expect him to revel in Rimsky's colors, but nothing appeals to him. There's no doubt that Columbia Records expected him to conduct absolutely everything in the standard repertoire, and Bernstein usually complied cheerfully, giving us great recordings of any pops items. But every once in a while he turned off to the music completley. The instances I have in mind are Holst's The Planets, Strauss's Also Sprach Zarathustra, and this bloated, humorless Scheherazade. There's no reason to dissect the crime in detail--just know to avoid this, one of Bernstein's rare duds.

Cappriccio Espangol.......2004-06-02

I'm will be a Junior in high school in the fall. I love Cappriccio Espangol.... you're thinking how does a 16 year old know this song? Well my band played it this year and it sounded pretty close to the NY Philharmonic Symphony... I'm not saying that oooo yeah best band ever, just that we did a great job. If you don't believe me I'll send you our recording my e-mail is fab4nbandos@bellsouth.net.... anywho since no one cares... This really is a great CD I assure you!

I'm not crazy...........2004-02-10

This is by far the worst recording I've ever heard of Scheherazade. It is all the conductor's fault too. There's really no one else to blame. (Although the recording could've been better- way too thin sounding.)

I heard a long time ago on the Angel label, a recording w/the Paris Opera Orchestra & Rostropovich conducting. Now THAT was a Scheherazade to remember. I swear, this recording did exist. I'm not halucinating. The Bernstein recording is wrong for all the reasons the Rostropovich is right. It's almost like Berstein purposely tries to take the majesty & magic out of this piece. His tempos seem to be at complete opposites of what they should. I mean, come on- was he trying SO HARD to be a rebel that he forgot the composer's markings?! I know no one wants to do the same old recording of the same old piece, but hey, that's no excuse to screw up everything. This recording sucks so bad, I actually threw the CD away. (Normally, to me, that's like burning a book- but I couldn't even give this CD away to some poor unwitting fool.)

Keep looking, this isn't the Scheherazade for you, unless you're on a time constraint & budget. And I don't think this review "isn't helpful" just because you may disagree or think LB is a genius. Let's face it, almost every conductor has at least (usually more) one piece that is his kryptonite. Trust me. I also was lucky enough to recently find the old Rostropovich recording & transfer it to CD through my PC. WOW! Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus & his name is Rostropovich. It was as good as I remembered. I suggest holding out for better, especially if you've never heard the majesty of this piece.

Absolutely horendous!.......2003-12-01

Bernstein is one of my favorite conductors because of his careful attention to detail--he lets nothing slip by, no detail is unimportant, as is apparent on his numerous Mahler recordings. However, everyone has their moments, and unfortunately, this is one of Bernstein's worst--however, it's even worse for the New York Philharmonic.

This is one of the worst recordings I have ever heard of this piece, and the simple reason is intonation--and it is the intonation of the woodwinds, the piccolo imparticular. This can in no way go unnoticed--string intonation problems are usually covered by the large number of string players in each section. Woodwinds are much more exposed, and the piccolo, in particular, has absolutely horrendous intonation throughout the entire piece--it is almost half a step falt the entire time! In general as well, the woodwinds are mostly out of tune, which is the first noticable thing.

This is not an argument that can swing "Well can't you even look at the interpretation and give them credit for that...." NO, i can't, because the intonation is the most noticable thing in any recording, and when it is as bad as it is in this recording, I can't help but criticize it.....trust me, and if you don't, just listen to the beginning of the 3rd movement of Cappricio Espagnol......you'll understand then.......

Exciting..........2003-05-02

This is the version of Scheherazade I grew up with, and is by far and away my favorite. I have a copy of this on LP (the vinyl version is easy to find -- Columbia Masterworks MS-6069) and now I'm tempted to grab a copy of the CD and see how the master tapes fared over the years. I've recorded my vinyl copy to CD, and I'm guessing this must have been originally mastered for vinyl. Really curious what they did to the sound quality (is it butchered?) and I think I'll buy this CD to find out! Anyway, for sheer emotion you just can't beat this -- To me, Reiner's interpretation sounds phony and contrived in comparison (although technically a more accurate performance).

Average customer rating:

Unable
Great recording
My favorite recording of this masterpiece
A POWERFUL AND MAJESTIC SCHEHERAZADE
....

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade/Capriccio Espagnol

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Debussy: La Mer

ASIN: B000003CVU
Release Date: 1990-06-25

Tracks:

l. The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
ll. The Tale Of The Kalender Prince
lll. The Young Prince And The Young Princess
lV. The Festival At Baghdad/The Sea/Shipwreck On A Rock Surmounted By A Bronze Warrior/Conclusion
l. Alborada
ll. Variazioni
lll. Alborada
lV. Scena E Canto Gitano
V. Fandango Asturiano

Amazon.com

Charles Mackerras is an unassuming guy who just makes great music. He's never made a bad record, and his enthusiasms range from Handel to Janácek to Sullivan (he's one of the world's leading authorities on all three). Because he's had no long-term relationship with any specific label, his career hasn't been pushed the way, say, Herbert von Karajan's was, but that doesn't make his recordings any less good. In fact, as this brilliant and exciting performance of two Rimsky-Korsakov classics shows, Mackerras is as completely at home in these lush, Romantic orchestral soundscapes as he is in his chosen fields of expertise. Add Telarc's knockout sound to the equation, and what more could you ask for? --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Unable.......2007-05-20

I had two cd's in this order, but unfortunately they were damaged beyond use when received. The Post Office marked them "Damaged When Received". Therefor I returned them for credit.. I would very much like to re-order both cd's

Great recording.......2007-03-08

My father gave me a recording of Scheherazade by the London Symphony when I was younger, and I've loved it. Somehow over the years I misplaced it and have been trying to find the exact same recording, and this is the closest I've come. I believe the conductors are different and there are subtle differences in the solos, but this is the best recording that reflects the true emotion and drama of the story.

My favorite recording of this masterpiece.......2007-01-14

I have compared several versions of Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade" suite, including the classic ones by von Karajan and Reiner. The Reiner version is no doubt wonderful, but I found it a bit too hurried for my taste. For the longest time, von Karajan's version had been my favorite; it's exciting, romantic, and overall makes a great virtuosic display. My only complaint was that the recording quality was not as good as can now be done with modern digital recording. But it was good enough for me, since the performance is absolutely brilliant.

When I first encountered this recording by the LSO and Sir Charles Mackerras, I was doubtful. I knew it would have good quality of sound, but I did not think that it could even come close to the passion of Herbert von Karajan and Michel Schwalbé. I, for some reason, gave it a listen nonetheless, and I was blown away! It had all the passion and lushness of the von Karajan performance, it was even a bit more exciting, and the recording quality was superb!

I highly recommend the recording of Scheherazade by Herbert von Karajan with the BPO, but I even more highly recommend this recording by Sir Charles Mackerras with the LSO. The additional piece Capriccio Espagnol is a fun one as always, but I do so love the Polovtsian Dances that was included on the von Karajan Scheherazade CD. If Polovtsian Dances was included on this CD, I would undoubtedly recommend it over the von Karajan CD. But with regards to Scheherazade alone, I prefer this version over the von Karajan.

A POWERFUL AND MAJESTIC SCHEHERAZADE.......2004-04-12

___________________________________________________________________________________________

This is definitely the best performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade I've heard, though I should qualify this statement - I haven't heard "everything" out there. I have however both read and heard many word-of-mouth recommendations in which I find a surprising degree of unanimity supporting the superiority of this performance led by Sir Charles Mackerras and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Before making a final decision, I was able to listen to the new version of this piece by Valery Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra which is very robust and well played, but there seems to be some sound problems with that recording which I don't quite understand. Lately I've adored Gergiev's performances but decided against him in this particular instance (though he's recently recorded a knockout performance of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" 2001 - Philips label, which I whole-heartedly recommend). I also listened to Von Karajan's 1967 Scheherazade performance which is "okay," but I've never really been much of a Von Karajan fan.

The majesty of this 1990 performance, recorded in pure digital, is hard to beat. The tempo is great, the artistic expression is great, the brass is great, the violin solo by Kees Hulsmann is great. I'd have to go with the evidence of what I've both heard for myself and the recommendations I've read, this is just an all around superb piece of music! The performance of the Capriccio Espagnol is of the same high quality, but was not a factor in my purchase of this CD. I have no hesitation at all in recommending this album with a 5 star rating.

...........2004-03-14

Charles Mackerras and the London Symphony Orchestra are very much in the demonstration class in this brilliant reading of Rimsky-Korakov's "Scherazade" and "Capriccio Espagnol". It combines gripping drama with romantic emotional warmth. Two themes dominate, the radiantly beautiful violin solo represents the lovely storyteller "Scherazade" who must tell tales to her husband, the Sultan to put off her own death. The Sultan is represented by powerful brass and lower strings.

"Capriccio Espagnol" may not be as dramatic in scope but its still captivating nevertheless, it paints a vivid picture of Spain and must stand beside the likes of composers Chabrier, Debussy and Ravel.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Flight of the Bumblebee
Average customer rating:

Russian Exoticism

The best Scheherazade next to Beecham's

Technically Perfect, But Passionless

A good performance, but there's better copies out there.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Flight of the Bumblebee

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | 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
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Capriccio Espagnol and Other Concert Favorites in Full Score

Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No1, Op107; Violin Concerto No1 (revised), Op99

ASIN: B0000206AD
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: Flight Of The Bumble Bee
Scheherazade Op. 35: The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
Scheherazade Op. 35: The Story Of The Kalandar Prince
Scheherazade Op. 35: The Young Prince And Princess
Scheherazade Op. 35: Festival In Baghdad - The Sea - The Ship Breaks Up Against A Cliff Surmounted By A Bronze Horseman - Conclusion
Capriccio Espagnol Op. 34: Alborada
Capriccio Espagnol Op. 34: Variazioni
Capriccio Espagnol Op. 34: Alborada
Capriccio Espagnol Op. 34: Scena E Canto Gitano
Capriccio Espagnol Op. 34: Fandango Asturiano

Customer Reviews:

Russian Exoticism.......2006-01-28

The Mogachaya Kuchka, or the Mighty Handful, were a group of Russian composers dedicated to raising the National music of Russia to greater heights. Rimsky-Korsakov was one of the five, and his music always has a "Russian" sound, sometimes even an "Asian" quality. This CD features three famous Rimsky-Korsakov works evocative of his nationalist sound: Scheherazade, Capriccio Espagnole, and the Flight of the Bumblebee.

Scheherazade is the guileful new wife of a King who has killed his previous wives after their first night together, the classic tale of 1001 Arabian Nights; Scheherazade tells her husband a new story every night, but leaving a cliff-hanger at bedtime, to keep herself alive. The work, Scheherazade, is four portraits: 1. The Sea and Sinbad's Ship, 2. Kalandar the Prince, 3. Young Prince and Princess, and 4. Festival in Baghdad. The main theme is stated in the opening of movement one in unison brass and strings; the storyteller is played by a solo violin, a Romantic Russian sounding theme that reappears in each of the four portraits. The crux of the first movement is a rough sea evoked by a falling melody that seems slightly troubled, but also quite unforgiving. Solos abound, including violin and cello, who have some sensual lines. The second movement is a folk dance in 3, that picks up as it goes. Great quick moving solos, featuring woodwind stops and starts of the exciting dance; the mood however is generally melancholy, but the opening melody brings the movement to a rousing close. The third movement is comprised of two dances: the first, a lush romantic, somewhat courtly dance of love, the second has a military undertone, with percussion marching along underneath. The movement is highlighted with virtuosic flourishes on the woodwinds and strings, and an almost middle-Eastern mode in the melody. The final movement is the showpiece of the work, bringing back many of the themes heard earlier. One new theme, is an exciting, almost menacing, galloping motive with raging brass. The storyteller returns to conclude the story; an epic work. The music is very colorful, as is often the case with Rimsky-Korsakov; he often employs Russian and other exotic modes. It is a very Romantic sound full of lush chords, heavy in strings and woodwinds, with virtuosic solo elements. The orchestrations and melodies are interesting and the subject is greatly portrayed.

Scheherazade is coupled with two other colorful works, the famous Flight of the Bumblebee shows the New York Philharmonic can take virtuosic writing in stride. The Capriccio Espagnole is, outside of the charming second movement, a work of pure Spanish (and incidentally) Russian revelry. In five movements (Alborada, Variazione, Alborada II, Gypsy Song, and Fandango) each give a colorful view of a Spanish dance. Each features great solos for violin virtuoso(here played by concertmaster Glen Dichterow); vivid orchestrations, burly and charming melodies, all with a sassy Spanish flavor. Fun music.

Kurt Masur is not known for electric performances, but this live recording of Masur conducting the New York Philharmonic is pretty good. There are so many virtuoso solo sections required, there is no other ensemble I could think to want play these works; and the excitement of a live performance catches the ensemble at a high point. The recording quality is pretty good (only two coughs from the live setting), but I especially like the dry "bite" the orchestra gets from the hall, and the forceful approach to Capriccio Espagnole simmers. For an introduction to the famous works of Rimsky-Korsakov, this is a great place to start.

The best Scheherazade next to Beecham's.......2001-08-23

Kurt Masur has really done it this time. There is just so much excitement in this work, with relatively little deviation from the score.

This is, by far, one of the best recordings of this work I have ever heard and there is NO QUESTION that this recording out performs previous NY Phil recordings, most notably that of Bernstein's, which is very virtuosic in it's performance, but is so full of unneccessary (and unwanted) nuances in tempo and rhythmic drive that it totally ruins the piece.

Masur's tempos are very tasteful neither too fast nor too slow in sections. The brass is very clear and powerful, the winds technically brilliant, and the strings simply amazing. The second movement is very nice and the luster, power, and finesse he gives to unison strings/tutti statement of the theme toward the end of the piece is the best I have ever heard from an orchestra. The fourth movement is done very well, with only a few minor blunders (i.e. the opening, some crescendos could be bigger, and Masur added a brass part that was not in the score, again in the opening). The "moment", I think, with any Scheherazade performance is a very quiet passage about five minutes into the piece, where the oboe and clarinet sing the melody together with rhythimic drive in the horns, tambourine, and violas, and a playful obbligato in the violis -- here Masur captures it better than anyone I've ever heard.

The Flight of the Bumblebee is very brilliantly played, the strings together like no other recording.

The Cappricio Espanol is passionate and eclectic in this performance, better than many other recordings I've heard of this piece. The solos are spectacular and the luster and color given in this performance is a Philharmonic trademark.

A perfect performance technically, lacking only every once in a while in artistic brilliance (i.e. pianos could have been more, crescendos bigger, ritards broader, etc.), this is a very good recording that every Scheherazade lover should have. Compare it to other recordings with Karajan, Bernstein, Ormandy, or Reiner, and you'll see the superiority in this performance.

Technically Perfect, But Passionless.......2001-04-24

Although Kurt Masur has done a fine job elevating the New York Philharmonic back into the first rank of world renowned orchestras, it is far from obvious, judging from this lackluster recording. These Rimsky-Korsakov pieces are played with technical perfection, but lack the warmth or enthusiasm that I have heard in other Teldec-recorded New York Philharmonic performances, most notably those of the Brahms symphony cycle and Dvorak's 9th Symphony. Only the Capriccio Espagnol is a passionate performance, but it falls short of the definitive Philips recording of the Rotterdam Philharmonic under David Zinman's baton. As for Scheherazade, there are more compelling, definitive performances with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra conducted either by Andre Previn or Seiji Ozawa (both recorded by Philips) that are worth owning.

A good performance, but there's better copies out there........2000-04-16

This copy of Scheherazade is technically perfect, which is a trait of the current New York Philharmonic. However, I think that the low brass could have been louder (especially during the important tuba part in the first movement). Movements 2 and 3 were really good, but there is some random coughing during crucial sections of these movements. The last movement was too slow during the fast sections and too fast during the slow sections (like the ending). However, Masur delivers the BEST Capriccio Espagnol I have ever heard. Movement 2 was lovely, and the solos were outstanding in movement 4. This copy has great sound quality, but it also muffles the low brass in Scheherazade. For a great Scheherazade, get the copy with Leonard Bernstein directing the New York Philharmonic. It's not perfect technically, but it has got it where it counts.

Average customer rating:

Rimsky-Korsakov Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000B8I8KU
Release Date: 2005-10-11

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Largo E Maestoso - Leon Spierer
Lento - Leon Spierer
Andantino Quasi Allegretto - Leon Spierer
Allegro Molto - Leon Spierer
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100 World's Best Loved Melodies

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ASIN: B0009VNBR4
Release Date: 2005-07-05

Tracks:

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Naila Waltz
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I Dream of Jeannie With the Light Brown Hair
Sugar Plum Fairy
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Toreador Song [From "Carmen"]
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Water Music - The Hornpipe
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Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
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Prde L& Arlenne
Preer Gynt Suite No. 1 Anitra's Dance
Liebestraum
Adagio from "The New World Symphony"
Flight of the Bumblebee
Ave Maria
Air on a G String
Neapolitan Song
Violin Concerto
Serenade No. 4

Tracks:

When You Wish Upon a Star
Chances Are
Calcutta
Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
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They Call the Wind Maria
Memories Are Made of This
Catch a Falling Star
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
So in Love
Begin the Beguine
Misty
Little Things Mean a Lot
Embraceable You
It Might as Well Be Spring
On the Street Where You Live
Moment to Remember
Anniversary Song
Golden Days
Theme from a Summer Place
Tonight
Lullaby of Broadway
Easter Parade
Tenderly
Young at Heart

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Claire de Lune
Piano Concerto No. 1
Minute Waltz
Piano Concerto
Fantasy Impromptu
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Polonaise No. 6
Waltz in C Minor
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Lonely Heart
Die Meistersinger
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Peculiar Amazon indexing.......2007-06-08

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