Embark on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Eastern European music with the London Symphony Orchestra's album "Eastern Myths & Legends: The Music of Prokofiev, Kodály & Bartók." This exquisite collection, released on May 5, 2017, under the Jube Classic label, showcases the orchestral brilliance of three master composers, offering a compelling blend of classical, orchestral, and operatic genres.
The album opens with Prokofiev's enchanting "The Love for Three Oranges Suite," a whimsical and dramatic journey through a fairy-tale world. The suite's six movements, performed with precision and passion by the London Symphony Orchestra, transport the audience from the playful antics of clowns to the magical duel between a magician and a witch, culminating in a triumphant march and a tender love story.
The second half of the album is dedicated to the works of Kodály and Bartók, two giants of Hungarian music. Kodály's "Scythian Suite" is a vivid musical depiction of ancient myths and rituals, featuring the evocative "Invocation to Veles & Ala" and the thrilling "Lolli's Pursuit of the Evil God & Sunrise." Bartók's contributions, "Dances of Galánta" and "Dances of Marosszék," are lively and rhythmic, showcasing the orchestra's virtuosity and energetic spirit.
The album concludes with two Romanian Dances by Bartók, arranged for orchestra, which are lively and full of folk inspiration. These pieces are a testament to the orchestra's versatility and their ability to bring out the unique character of each composition.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes, this album is a feast for the ears, offering a rich and varied musical experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, the London Symphony Orchestra's "Eastern Myths & Legends" is sure to captivate and inspire.
Vinylscout