Immerse yourself in the rich, vibrant world of Russian classical music with "Rimsky Korsakov Master Orchestrator," a captivating album featuring the extraordinary compositions of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Released in 2015 by Editions Audiovisuel Beulah, this orchestral masterpiece showcases the genius of one of Russia's most celebrated composers and a master of orchestration.
The album spans a little over an hour and thirteen minutes, offering a symphonic journey through some of Rimsky-Korsakov's most renowned works. It opens with the triumphant "Russian Easter Festival Overture, Op. 36," a piece that brilliantly captures the spirit of Russian Orthodox Easter celebrations. The centerpiece of the album is the four-movement symphonic suite "Scheherazade, Op. 35," a vivid musical retelling of the tales from "One Thousand and One Nights." Each movement—"The Sea and Sinbad's Ship," "The Kalendar Prince," "The Young Prince and the Young Princess," and "Festival At Baghdad. The Sea. The Ship Breaks Against a Cliff Surmounted By a Bronze Horseman"—paints a vivid picture of the exotic and fantastical stories.
Also included are the dramatic "Episode from the Legend of Sadko, Op. 5" and the lively "Dubinushka, Op. 62," showcasing Rimsky-Korsakov's ability to blend Russian folk elements with classical orchestration. The album is performed by the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conducted by the esteemed Ernest Ansermet, ensuring a performance that is both technically precise and emotionally resonant.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Rimsky Korsakov Master Orchestrator" offers a compelling introduction to the works of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, a composer whose influence on Russian music is immeasurable. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy and a treasure trove of orchestral brilliance.