Budget compilation of popular Rimsky-Korsakov works by various conductors and orchestras, recorded in the '50s and '80s. All selections are favorites of mine.
Tracks 1-4: Scheherazade Symphonic Suite, Op. 35
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Andrew Litton
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| High Fidelity, July 1989 |
The above review claims the performance "lacks fire" and I agree. Up until the lively final movement, it's all played safe; a bit timid and languid for my taste.
Track 5: Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op. 36
Concert Arts Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Erich Leinsdorf
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| HiFi Review, March 1959 |
This 14 minute piece takes a while to really get going, but the final third gets brassy, bold, and exciting. The sound is remarkably clear in the strings; the winds get a little muddled at times, but considering this track was recorded in the '50s, not bad overall.
Track 6: Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34
Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Felix Slatkin
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| High Fidelity, March 1957 |
This orchestral suite is my favorite Rimsky-Korsakov piece - hands down - and this interpretation certainly does it justice. I could use a little more low end, but as with the previous track, not terrible sound for an older recording.
Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None
Previously revisited for the blog:
Scheherazade, Ernest Ansermet conducting L'Orchestra De La Suisse Romande (1994)
Scheherazade/Capriccio Espagnol, Charles Dutoit conducting the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (1984)
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