Leonard Slatkin's "The Russian Album," released in 1991 under the RCA Red Seal label, is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Russian classical music. This album showcases the extraordinary talent of Leonard Slatkin, a renowned conductor, leading the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Philharmonic Orchestra in a collection of 19 enchanting pieces. Spanning a concise yet impactful duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, the album is a testament to the enduring power of classical compositions.
The tracklist is a diverse array of symphonies, ballet music, and orchestral works, including Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," Tchaikovsky's "Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25," Khachaturian's "Gayne - Sabre Dance," and Prokofiev's "The Comedians, Op. 26." Each piece is performed with precision and passion, highlighting the orchestras' virtuosity and Slatkin's masterful direction.
"The Russian Album" is not just a compilation of classical pieces but a celebration of the depth and breadth of Russian musical heritage. The album's genres, classical and orchestra, are brought to life with a dynamic range of emotions and technical brilliance. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The 1991 release has been well-received, with positive reviews and a dedicated following, making it a standout in Leonard Slatkin's discography.
(P) 1991 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade - GnomusModest Mussorgsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade- The Old CastleModest Mussorgsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade - The Tuileries - BydloModest Mussorgsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade: Ballet of the Chicks in their Shells - "Samuel" GoldenbergModest Mussorgsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: Limoges: The Market - Catacombs: Sepulchrum romanum - Con mortuis in lingua mortuaModest Mussorgsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Fowl's LegsModest Mussorgsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Great Gate at KievModest Mussorgsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: 1. Allegro con brioSergei Prokofiev, Leonard Slatkin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: 2. Intermezzo. LarghettoSergei Prokofiev, Leonard Slatkin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: 3. Gavotte. Non troppo allegroSergei Prokofiev, Leonard Slatkin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25: 4. Finale. Molto vivaceSergei Prokofiev, Leonard Slatkin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Fireworks, Op. 4Igor Stravinsky, Leonard Slatkin, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gayne - Sabre DanceAram Khachaturian, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Comedians, Op. 26: 1. PrologueDmitry Kabalevsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Comedians, Op. 26: 2. GalopDmitry Kabalevsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Comedians, Op. 26: 3. March - WaltzDmitry Kabalevsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Comedians, Op. 26: 4. Pantomime - Intermezzo - Little Lyrical SceneDmitry Kabalevsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Comedians, Op. 26: 5. Gavotte - ScherzoDmitry Kabalevsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra
The Comedians, Op. 26: 6. EpilogueDmitry Kabalevsky, Leonard Slatkin, National Philharmonic Orchestra