Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade / Russian Easter Overture

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Scheherazade is no longer the ubiquitous presence it used to be on disc and in the concert hall, but given a terrific performance, it can't fail to impress. It gets one here from the Atlanta Symphony and its new music director, Robert Spano. The big brass chords of the Sultan's theme that open the work are as malevolent as you could wish and the seductive, sensuous violin of Cecylia Arzewski in response (depicting Scheherazade) is not only beautifully played, but recorded in proper size and relation to the big orchestra. Spano characterizes each movement or episode beautifully, capturing the rocking waves lapping against Sinbad's boat and the ferocious final shipwreck with dramatic and musical instincts that make this one of the best (and best-recorded) of all Scheherazades. The colorful filler, the Russian Easter Overture, is a winner, too. --Dan Davis

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.

Average customer rating:

Great Sound! Great Performance! Great Music!
A great conductor going through the motions
Beguiling, Atmospheric, Dramatic -- Marvelous Dynamic Range!
MUSIC FOR THE SENSES
The "Scheherazade" to beat!

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade

Manufacturer: RCA
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Sheherazade / Russian Easter Overture

ASIN: B000003F95
Release Date: 1993-02-09

Tracks:

Scheherazade, Op. 35 - Symphonic Suite After 'A Thousand And One Nights': The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
Scheherazade, Op. 35 - Symphonic Suite After 'A Thousand And One Nights': The Story Of The Kalender Prince
Scheherazade, Op. 35 - Symphonic Suite After 'A Thousand And One Nights': The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Scheherazade, Op. 35 - Symphonic Suite After 'A Thousand And One Nights': Festival In Bagdad...
Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36: Russian Easter Overture

Customer Reviews:

Great Sound! Great Performance! Great Music!.......2006-06-06

As far as sound quality of classical cds go, you really have to pay attention to the fine print and here it's DDD. That makes all the difference as this recording is one of the best-sounding classical recordings I have ever heard and is currently the best classical cd, sound quality-wise, that I own. I'm sure the fact that this recording was made in the early 90s must have also helped but as far as this being a worthy cover of Rimsky-Korsakov's brilliant masterpiece is concerned, fear not as Yuri Temirkanov and the New York Philharmonic have done an excellent job here. Great sound quality and wonderful performances of a brilliant work of music make this very highly recommended indeed.

A great conductor going through the motions.......2005-10-26

Every day an unknown number of new listeners is thrilled by first hearing the glittering Scheherazade, but to conductors it's as hackneyed as the 1812 Overture, unless...

The "unless" covers a lot of ways to invigorate this warhose. Stokowski applies lush gaudiness in his three readings, which can be thrilling. Reiner gave us astonishing orchestral virtuosity from the Chicago Sym. and one of Living Stereo's best recordings, a marvel almost fifty years on. beecham delivers a fresh, buoyant readding that comes close to being joyous (though the EMI recording is dated).

Temirkanov certainly has the potential to do something special with Scheherazade, but what we get instead is an all-around straighforward reading, good but not spectacular sound, and some nice expressive touches here and there. The NY Phil. doesn't sound that jazzed, either. Altogether, I had hoped for more.

Beguiling, Atmospheric, Dramatic -- Marvelous Dynamic Range!.......2004-04-12

This is by my favorite from among many Scheherazades. I do not agree that the dynamic range is a problem. On the contrary, it is what CD's are all about. The technology in this wonderful recording conveys this favorite's musical and emotional scope, especially when enjoyed with good speakers in quiet surroundings or with earphones. This is the first time I have felt that a recording of this suite exploited all the possibilities, from the drama of the tales Scheherazade recounts each of 1001 nights to keep from being beheaded to the beguiling nature of Scheherazade herself.

I have loved the companion Russian Easter Ouverture since discovering classical music as a teenager. Again, this CD is the first recording I have heard that fully realizes its possibilities.

The acoustic is delectably atmospheric, and the microphone placement and mixing combine with it to convey the ambience of the great orchestra in personal concert for the fortunate listener.

I own a truckload of classical CD's. This is one of the favorites I hear again and again.

MUSIC FOR THE SENSES.......2000-06-06

I first heard this recording on the radio, a few years back, then decided to buy the CD. The overall offect is quite pleasing - hypnotic at times - and Bernstein's orchestra, the NY Philharmonic, is captured in great form under Temirkanov. The playing is also first rate, the violin solo by Glenn Dicterow is well executed. I found the orchestral contrasts between soft and loud passages to be exaggerated and in general, the various sections lacking in continuity of purpose. Music for the senses, but also music that has to make sense, I mean musically. Phrasing is the key - as in the New World Symphony or the Symphonie fantastique. This is lovely, but the whole thing seems to lack in perspective. The RUSSIAN EASTER OVERTURE is very well done, great sound, à la Russe.

The "Scheherazade" to beat!.......2000-01-27

My favorite version of "Scheherazade" was by Joel Pernea, but I don't think it's made it to CD. Never fear; this one is as powerful as I remember Pernea's being. Of course I haven't heard every "Scheherazade" out there, but this one's a little special, so go fot it.

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
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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
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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; Russian Easter Overture

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
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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.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade for orchestra Op35; Russian Easter Festival Overture Op36

Average customer rating:

Great mix of music though OK performance
Wow..
Colorful, Romantic, Dramatic, and Consistently Musical !
absolute magic

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade for orchestra Op35; Russian Easter Festival Overture Op36

Manufacturer: Decca
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Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000004241
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Scheherazade: The Sea And Sinbad's Ship - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
Scheherazade: The Story Of The Kalandar Prince - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
Scheherazade: The Young Prince And The Young Princess - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
Scheherazade: Festival At Baghdad - The Sea - Shipwreck - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
May Night: Overture - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Suite, Op.57: I. The Tsar's Departure And Farewell - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Suite, Op.57: II. The Tsarina And Her Son Afloat In The Cask - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan, Suite, Op.57: III. The Three Wonders - N. Rimsky-Korsakov
The Tale Of Tsar Saltan: The Flight Of The Bumblebee - N. Rimsky-Korsakov

Tracks:

Russian Easter Festival: Overture, Op.36 - Rimsky-Korsakov
Christmas Eve Suite - Rimsky-Korsakov
Dubinushka, Op.62 - Rimsky-Korsakov
Sadko, Musical Picture, Op.5 - Rimsky-Korsakov
The Snow Maiden Suite: Introduction- Danse des oiseaux- Cortege- Danse des bouffons - Rimsky-Korsakov

Customer Reviews:

Great mix of music though OK performance.......2007-02-07

Rimsky - Korsakov is one of the greats of Russian music who composed works for multiple genres such as ballets, operas, symphonies, overtures, concertos, etc. This two-disc set provides a good compilation of many of these works without resorting to the common method of taking 3 - 4 minute samples from multiple works that embody the most famous tunes from said works. Instead, the album includes multiple works in whole such as Scheherazade, the Tale of Tsar Saltan, Snow Maiden Suite, and The Russian Easter Festival Overture. The result is two discs with over an hour of music per disc. However, many of the works are quite unknown, and can require some patience to listen through and appreciate.

The orchestration and sound quality is only alright. For example, this album's performance of the Russian Easter Festival Overture was sub-par compared to what I have heard in other albums. Overall, a good buy, but not a great buy.

Wow.........2006-04-28

Quite possibly one of the worst Scheherazade's I have ever heard from a "professional" orchestra. There is some REALLY BAD playing on here. I still can't believe that a recording would be put out where the playing can sound completely incompetent at times. I really don't understand that. This is NOT a good recording!! Just the fact that there are so many noticeable mistakes proves that. If you are a musician, this should bother you and make you wince.

Do yourself a favor and buy a different recording, either Bernstein with New York, Temirkanov with New York, or Maazel with Cleveland, or Concertgebouw or Philly. Any other recording will definitely be of better quality.

Colorful, Romantic, Dramatic, and Consistently Musical !.......2004-03-09

In the past, I have enjoyed other Scheherazades, most notably those by Ormandy, Reiner, Monteux, Stokowski, Kondrashin and Beecham, especially the latter two. I must now include this marvelous Ansermet after re-acquainting myself with his performance after many years of neglect. While the Suisse Romande Orchestra has never been seen as having quite matched the reputations of the Philadelphia, Chicago Symphony and Concertgebouw Orchestras, it performs so magically and musically here that it seems to transport one on the proverbial flying carpet to exotic lands. Tones are rounded, sweet and golden, yet there is no slighting of drama. As conductor, Ansermet is in no hurry to impress with an eye and ear to sheer virtuosity. He proceeds with an easy flowing, characterful, sensuous style. I haven't heard many more satisfyingly rendered first movements than his. But the same holds true for the other three as well, especially the gorgeously fragrant third movement ( "The Young Prince and the Young Princess" ). Throughout the Ansermet/Suisse Romande performance there is a wonderful songfulness and a pleasing exotic ambiance. In many places, instrumental sounds simply glow....Virtually everything else on these discs is also a delicious treat, especially since such brightly varied pieces as Tale of the Tsar Saltan, The Christmas Eve Suite and The Snow Maiden have never been well represented in recordings, though I have enjoyed for some time Svetlanov's Tsar Saltan. All these works of Rimsky-Korsakov reveal one of the finest examples of a composer who possessed the wonderful ability to create splendid color and captivating tunefulness. And, I think, there were few other conductors who had Ernest Ansermet's talent to project these appealing delights with such endearing and satisfying musical expression.

absolute magic.......2000-09-21

This should be an essential part of any Russian music lover's library. Ansermet had a particular affinity with this repertoire, and the very distinctive sound of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande make this a very endearing and memorable release. It's a paradox, but though Rimsky's orchestral pallette is opulent and technicolour in the extreme, it is not particularly lush in the R.Straussian sense - the timbres separate, and the clarity of the texturing in these OSR performances make every subtlety of the orchestration apparent: listen to the different ways Rimsky scores the same E major chord in the first movement of 'Scheherazade' - on this recording every register change tells.

Rimsky's warhorses get affectionate and detailed readings, but the main attractions here are the slightly off-beat repertoire. The suite from 'Christmas Eve', with its night flight through a ballet of stars, a witches sabbath and an imperial Polonaise: concluding with a koliadka (Ukrainian carol) and sunrise is a wonder: this is music of great breadth and childlike wonder which is unforgettable, here given a faultless performance. It is a shame the sections in this suite are not cued, however. The symphonic poem 'Sadko' is well done- the suite from 'Tsar Saltan' with its memorably titled second movement 'The Tsarina in a barrel at sea' is another classic, and Ansermet paces the discursive and sectional final movement 'The Three Wonders' very well: the portrait of the Swan Princess 'whose beauty is so great and who by night illuminates the earth' is mesmerizing. Two little quibbles: the vocal portions of the 'Snow Maiden' suite are not very pleasant and the 'Flight of the Bumblebee' is a mite arthritic, but this are incidental indeed. Enjoy this wonderfully vivid anthology: it's like a favourite book from childhood recreated in aural terms.

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade / Russian Easter Overture
Average customer rating:

Standout Scheherazade in a Crowded Field

One of the Best Scheherazades Ever!

This Recording Is A Total Dud

Why Such A Fuss Over This Second-Rate Recording?

Fine performance, great sound

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade / Russian Easter Overture
Robert Spano
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra | ( A ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B00005B7KC
Release Date: 2001-06-26

Tracks:

The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
The Tale Of The Kalender Prince
The Young Prince And The Young Princess
The Festival At Baghdad/The Sea/Shipwreck On A Rock Surmounted By A Bronze...
Russian Easter Overture

Amazon.com

Scheherazade is no longer the ubiquitous presence it used to be on disc and in the concert hall, but given a terrific performance, it can't fail to impress. It gets one here from the Atlanta Symphony and its new music director, Robert Spano. The big brass chords of the Sultan's theme that open the work are as malevolent as you could wish and the seductive, sensuous violin of Cecylia Arzewski in response (depicting Scheherazade) is not only beautifully played, but recorded in proper size and relation to the big orchestra. Spano characterizes each movement or episode beautifully, capturing the rocking waves lapping against Sinbad's boat and the ferocious final shipwreck with dramatic and musical instincts that make this one of the best (and best-recorded) of all Scheherazades. The colorful filler, the Russian Easter Overture, is a winner, too. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Standout Scheherazade in a Crowded Field.......2004-05-31

There are over 70 available recordings of Scheherazade but this one truly stands out of the pack. The Atlanta Symphony and Robert Spano produce an amazing display of orchestral virtuosity in which every section of the orchestra--including the soloists--plays flawlessly. The result is one of the most exciting and beautiful Scheherazades you'll ever hear in knockout hi-fi sound.
The Russian Easter overture is also one of the best ones out there and probably has the best sound quality of them all. Don't listen to the negative customer reviews. The critics were unanimous in declaring this one a winner and you will too as soon as you hear it.

One of the Best Scheherazades Ever!.......2004-04-21

With all due respect to the negative reviews, I don't understand what they didn't like about this recording. This is easily one of the best Scheherazades ever recorded(and many have been recorded), and, taking into account the excellent "hi-fi" sound, the first choice for anyone looking for a modern recording. As the critic points out, the opening brass is as menacing as you'll ever hear, which sets the stage for the rest of this piece. The first movement is very exciting, the second has the necessary exoticism and menace--and the conductor does a wonderful job increasing excitement by holding back the orchestra for just a moment before climaxes and then letting it burst out. The third movement is soothing, with beautiful solo violin. The last movement has just the right tempos and coherence to be both exciting and a recapitulation of all the themes.The last movement of all other recordings of Scheherazade just sounds like an incoherent jumble of loud noise, when compared with this one. The sound quality is amazing and creates a true concert-hall experience. The Russian Easter Overture may go down as the best one ever recorded,and here the sound quality works to create a truly magical--and sonically impressive--finale. Quite simply, this is the Scheherazade and RE Overture to own.

This Recording Is A Total Dud.......2003-09-19

This recording is a total dud and is to be avoided at all costs. I think this is the worst performance of Scheherazade I have ever heard. It is the worst conducted and the worst played, even worse than the many quick, budget-label runthroughs going back to the 1950's with unknown orchestras and unknown conductors. Each of the standard Scheherazade recommendations vastly exceeds this lame performance. For a good unknown recording, try the Dorati/Minneapolis Mercury recording. Just about any performance from the past is superior to this. If modern sound is a major criterion, get the Chung on DG.

Why Such A Fuss Over This Second-Rate Recording?.......2003-08-28

This disc is so second-rate, I cannot understand the fuss. A mediocre orchestra under a mediocre conductor gives a mediocre performance, and many American critics have gone into raptures. It is incomprehensible. Stick with the classic performances by Reiner or Beecham or Karajan or Haitink, all of which provide many times the pleasure of this undistinguished release. On merit, this release should already have hit the remainder bins.

Fine performance, great sound.......2003-05-24

This is a very fine performance of the Scheherezade. However, i felt that it was just a bit too analytical to take fire and that the soloist, whilst very good, was just a bit too "thin" in tone here and there to equal the classic Krebbers contribution with the Concertgebouw (another fairly analytical orchestra). Still well worth listening to as a performance and very rewarding as a recording, with a big dynamic range and a forceful but still natural sound.

Tracks:

Schegerazade (Symphonic Suite After The Thousand And One Nights, Op. 35: The Sea And Sinbad's Ship
Schegerazade (Symphonic Suite After The Thousand And One Nights, Op. 35: The Tale Of The Kalender Prince
Schegerazade (Symphonic Suite After The Thousand And One Nights, Op. 35: The Young Prince And The Young Princess
Schegerazade (Symphonic Suite After The Thousand And One Nights, Op. 35: The Sea; The Ship Goes To Pieces On A Rock...
The Great Russian Easter: 5 Overture On Liturgical Themes, Op. 36

Customer Reviews:

A great performance for those who like slower tempo........2006-04-14

After reading review after review on Amazon, I've decided there really are very few truely bad performances. In most cases, it all depends on what you like. I personally prefer Scheherazade performed at a faster tempo. My favorite performance by far is by Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on RCA Living Stereo. The recording is great and the performance is top notch. The very energetic final movement was recorded in a single take, which apparently is still quite an achievement even today. I am generally a fan of Reference Recordings. They are hard to beat from a technical standpoint. This is a great recording, however, the performance is much too slow for my liking. For me, Scheherazade doesn't have the same level of musical energy when the tempo is slower.

Rimsy-Korsakov:SCHEHERAZADE CD.......2006-03-27

I purchased this CD through AMAZON.COM to replace one that my wife used while teaching a Jr. High School Writing unit. She had used this in CD Version before and it somehow ended up missing. When the CD was not available in local music shops, I went to AMAZON and located several sources immediately. I ordered it, and received delivery several days before they said it was due. The CD was in NEW condition and arrived in wonderful shape. The Class went on as planned, thanks to prompt and expedited service. The product came through in wonderful shape and everyone was happy. Great job AMAZON.COM you saved the day.

A Brisk and, One Hopes, Non-Definitive Performance.......2003-08-11

I purchased this recording after reading reviews proclaiming that it was no less than the definitive recording of Scheherezade. I hope for the sake of my appreciation for the work that this recording is not in fact definitive. I have not studied the score of the work, but the tempo in this recording is molto allegro, and the dynamics tend toward a near mezzo piano monotone. Lush and fantastical, two adjectives that I associate with this work, do not describe this rather physically and emotionally brisk recording. If this IS in fact the definitive recording, then those conductors who have taken a more romantic approach to the work have only enhanced the work. One might do better to spend the money for this expensive disc on two less expensive and yet richer recordings.

It doesn't get any better.......2003-04-24

I have a weak spot for Scheherazade. That may explain why I own seven difference performances of this piece. Every time I listen, I discover something new. Much of that "newness" has to do with conductor prerogative, but the music itself has such rich orchestration, it is hard to assimilate all the nuances and all the richness that Scheherazade offers. Now, with the addition of this recording by Jose Serebrier, I am faced with the daunting challenge of rediscovering all the beauty and subtleties again. And the sonics on this CD make the subtleties all the more available. This interpretation of Scheherazade is achingly beautiful. The tempo is perfect, the accents stimulate your imagination, and according to Mr. Serebrier, this is the way Rimsky-Korsakov meant it to be presented. Added to this is the hands-down, best performance of the Russian Easter Overture ever.

This is another flawless release from Reference Recordings. When sonic engineering exceeds the level of "excellent" as it does here, I must resort to the term "superb." There is the "DG sound" and the "Telarc sound," but this is clarity at its best. I cannot call this the "Reference sound" because there is no sonic signature. This is just pure and clean. Did I say superb? I meant to.

Rarely does a CD exceed all expectations, but this is definitely one of those rare finds.

The Greatest Symphonic Poem.......2001-12-30

This is a wonderful recording of Sheherezade. The violin solos and the orchestration are rich and superb. The music itself is perhpas the greatest Symphonic Poem ever written. The listener is captured by the romantic and sensual atmosphere of the 1001 Nights in the adagios and will be taken to adventures in distant lands with Sinbad. The sea storm in this rendition would make Nikolai Andreiyvich proud. if you've read the 1001 Nights or the Odyssey by Homer, this music will bring the literature to life and you'll feel the trident of Poseidon and the captivation of Calypso as well as the atmospehere of the Abbasid court and the Glorious Baghdad of the 9th century.

Average customer rating:

pretty good

Best Of Rimsky-Korsakov

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music

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Best Of Stravinsky
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ASIN: B0000014HP
Release Date: 1999-06-22

Tracks:

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

Russian Orchestral Masterworks

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Sym No.5 in e, Op.64: I. Andante - Allegro Con Anima - LSO/Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgos
Sym No.5 in e, Op.64: II. Andante Cantabile, Con Alcuna Licenza - LSO/Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgos
Sym No.5 in e, Op.64: II. Valse: Allegro Moderato - LSO/Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgos
Sym No.5 in e, Op.64: IV. Finale: Andante Maestoso-Allegro Vivace - LSO/Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgos
Ser, Op.48: Pezzo In Forma Di Sonatina Andante-Allegro-Andante - English Strs Orch/William Boughton
Ser, Op.48: Waltzer: Moderato - English Strs Orch/William Boughton
Ser, Op.48: Elegie: Larghetto Elegacio - English Strs Orch/William Boughton
Ser, Op.48: Finale: Thema Russo Andante-Allegro - English Strs Orch/William Boughton

Tracks:

Scheherazade Sym Ste, Op.35: Largo E Maestoso - Allegro Non Troppo - Bradley Creswick/George Ives
Scheherazade Sym Ste, Op.35: Lento - Andantino - Bradley Creswick/George Ives
Scheherazade Sym Ste, Op.35: Andantino Quasi Allegretto - Bradley Creswick/George Ives
Scheherazade Sym Ste, Op.35: Allegro Molto - Bradley Creswick/George Ives
Russian Easter Festival Ov, Op.36 - Bradley Creswick/George Ives

Tracks:

Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: I. Montagues And Capulets (Ste 2, No.1) - Philharmonia Orch/William Boughton
Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: II. The Child Juliet (Ste 2, No.2) - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: III. Dance (Ste 2, No.4) - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: IV. Dance Of Antilles Girls (Ste 2, No.6) - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: V. Morning Dance (Ste 3, No.2) - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: VI. Romeo & Juliet (Ste 1, No.6) - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: VII. Romeo At The Grave Of Juliet (Ste 2, No.7) - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Romeo & Juliet - Ballet Ste, Op.64: VIII. Death Of Tybalt (Ste 1, No.7) - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Romeo & Juliet - Fant Ov - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: I. Largo - Allegro Moderato - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: II. Allegro Molto - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: III. Adagio - Martin Ronchetti
Sym No.2 in e, Op.27: IV. Allegro Vivace - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka
Vocalise, Op.34, No.14 - BBC National Orch Of Wales/Tadaaki Otaka

Tracks:

The Firebird Ste: Intro And Dance Of The Firebird - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Firebird Ste: Adagio (Pas De Deux) - Entreaty Of The Firebird - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Firebird Ste: Scherzo - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Firebird Ste: Rondo (Khorovod) - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Firebird Ste: Allegro - Infernal Dance - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: I. Adoration Of The Earth: Intro (Harbingers Of Spring) - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: I. Adoration Of The Earth: Dances of The Adolescents - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: I. Adoration Of The Earth: Mock Abduction - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: I. Adoration Of The Earth: Spring Rounds - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: I. Adoration Of The Earth: Game Of The Rival Tribes - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: I. Adoration Of The Earth: Dance Of The Earth - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: II. The Sacrifice: Intro - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: II. The Sacrifice: Mystical Circles Of The Adolescents - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: II. The Sacrifice: Glorification Of The Victim - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: II. The Sacrifice: Evocation Of The Ancestors - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: II. The Sacrifice: Ritual Of The Ancestors - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
The Rite Of Spring: II. The Sacrifice: Sacred Dance - The Victim - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky

Tracks:

Petrouchka: First Scene: The Shrovetide Fair - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Petrouchka: Second Scene: Petrouchka's Room - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Petrouchka: Third Scene: The Moor's Room - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Petrouchka: Fourth Scene: Grand Carnival - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Sym In Three Movts: 1st Movt - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Sym In Three Movts: 2nd Movt - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky
Sym In Three Movts: 3rd Movt - LSO/Gennadi Rozhdestvensky

Tracks:

Pno Con No.1, Op.35: I. Allegro Moderato - Martin Jones/Graham Ashton/Michael Bouchmann
Pno Con No.1, Op.35: II. Lento - Martin Jones/Graham Ashton/Michael Bouchmann
Pno Con No.1, Op.35: III. Moderato - Martin Jones/Graham Ashton/Michael Bouchmann
Pno Con No.1, Op.35: IV. Allegro Brio - Martin Jones/Graham Ashton/Michael Bouchmann
Pno Con No.2, Op.102: I. Allegro - Martin Jones
Pno Con No.2, Op.102: II. Andante - Martin Jones
Pno Con No.2, Op.102: III. Allegro - Martin Jones
Chm Sym, Op.110a: I. Largo - ESO/William Boughton
Chm Sym, Op.110a: II. Allegro Molto - ESO/William Boughton
Chm Sym, Op.110a: III. Allegretto - ESO/William Boughton
Chm Sym, Op.110a: IV. Largo - ESO/William Boughton
Chm Sym, Op.110a: V. Largo - ESO/William Boughton

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