Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical music with "The Essential Royal Scottish National Orchestra," a captivating compilation released on July 2, 2025, under the esteemed Naxos Special Projects label. This album is a testament to the Royal Scottish National Orchestra's prowess, featuring a diverse array of compositions that span from timeless classics to lesser-known gems.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes, the album offers a comprehensive journey through the orchestra's repertoire. Highlights include Maurice Ravel's enchanting "Boléro," Samuel Barber's poignant "Adagio for Strings," and the lively "Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity" from Gustav Holst's "The Planets." The album also showcases the orchestra's versatility with pieces like "Scandal during the Box Match - Entrance of the Police" and "Vallflickans dans," demonstrating their ability to bring both intensity and grace to the stage.
Under the baton of Music Director Thomas Søndergård, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra delivers a performance that is both technically impeccable and deeply expressive. The ensemble's rich history, dating back to 1891, is evident in their nuanced interpretations and dynamic range. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rewarding listening experience that showcases the orchestra's artistry and the enduring power of classical music.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
II. BoléroJules Massenet, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Jean-Luc Tingaud
No. 2, Winter Night, "Sleigh Ride"Frederick Delius, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones
III. Joutsenet muuttavat (Swans Migrating)Einojuhani Rautavaara, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Hannu Lintu
Adagio for Strings, Op. 11Samuel Barber, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Marin Alsop
IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of JollityGustav Holst, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, David Lloyd-Jones
No. 8, Bruremarsch (Etter Myllarguten) [Wedding March after Myllarguten] [Arr. O. Sommerfeldt]Edvard Grieg, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
Scandal during the Boxing Match - Entrance of the PoliceDmitri Shostakovich, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, José Serebrier
II. DanseWilliam Grant Still, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Avlana Eisenberg
No. 1: Velkomne med aera (Welcome with Honour)Geirr Tveitt, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
IV. Allegro scherzando, tempo giustoAlvaro Cassuto, Antonio Rosado, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Vallflickans dansHugo Alfvén, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Niklas Willen
VII. Dance of the boys and girls who fill the square (Arr. A. Cassuto)Joly Braga Santos, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
III. Scherzo. Ziemlich schnellAnton Bruckner, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Georg Tintner
II. Allegro giustoAlan Hovhaness, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Stewart Robertson, Javier Calderon
No. 2, VoilesClaude Debussy, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, 準・メルクル
III. Allegro moderatoElisabetta Brusa, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Daniele Rustioni
III. Real Fast!Ned Rorem, Simon Mulligan, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, José Serebrier
IV. Cantar de AmigoFrederico De Freitas, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Alvaro Cassuto
III. AndanteHubert Parry, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Andrew Penny
I. ModeratoSergei Rachmaninoff, Boris Giltburg, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Carlos Miguel Prieto
II. Nigun (Improvisation) [Version for Violin and Orchestra]Ernest Bloch, Zina Schiff, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, José Serebrier
No. 6, Klokkeklang (Ringing Bells) [Arr. E. Grieg and A. Seidl]Edvard Grieg, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset
II. AndanteSamuel Barber, James Buswell, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Marin Alsop
Le marchand de sable qui passe, Op. 13, Final SceneAlbert Roussel, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Stéphane Denève
III. Fading away in the bright night of springGeirr Tveitt, Håvard Gimse, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Bjarte Engeset