Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Russian classical music with Valery Gergiev's "Das Beste Der Russischen Klassik." This captivating compilation, released on January 1, 2013, under the Decca (UMO) label, showcases Gergiev's masterful interpretations of iconic works from the Russian repertoire. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 14 minutes, the album features 30 tracks that highlight the depth and breadth of Russian classical and orchestral music.
Valery Gergiev, the renowned Russian conductor, brings his distinctive artistry to this collection, which includes excerpts from beloved ballets like "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "The Sleeping Beauty," as well as symphonies, overtures, and other orchestral masterpieces. The album features compositions by legendary Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Stravinsky, among others.
Highlights include the dramatic "Dance of the Knights" from Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet," the exhilarating "Sabre Dance" from Khachaturian's "Gayaneh," and the iconic "Flight of the Bumblebee" by Rimsky-Korsakov. The album also showcases Gergiev's dynamic live performances, such as the electrifying "Variation No. 18" from Rachmaninoff's "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" and the powerful "Sacrificial Dance" from Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring."
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Das Beste Der Russischen Klassik" offers a compelling journey through the timeless works of Russian composers, brought to life by the brilliant conducting of Valery Gergiev. This album is a testament to Gergiev's exceptional talent and his deep connection to the Russian musical tradition.
Prince Igor / Act 2: Polovtsian DancesAlexander Borodin, Mariinsky Chorus, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Night on Bald MountainModest Mussorgsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Valery Gergiev
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation No. 18 - LiveSergei Rachmaninoff, Lang Lang, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Swan Lake, Op. 20 (Mariinsky Version), Act I: No. 13, Dances des cygnes: d. Danses des petits cygnes. Allegro moderatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Ruslan and Lyudmila / Act 1: OvertureMikhail Glinka, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Scheherazade, Op. 35: III. The Young Prince and the Young Princess. Andantino quasi allegrettoNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sergei Levitin, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Le Sacre du Printemps / Pt. 1: "L'adoration de la terre": IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act II: No. 14, Pas de deux: Var. 2. Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27: II. Allegro moltoSergei Rachmaninoff, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
The Firebird, K10: XVI. Infernal Dance of Kashchei's SubjectsIgor Stravinsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 5 in D Major, Op. 47: I. ModeratoDmitri Shostakovich, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Le Sacre du Printemps / Pt. 2: "Le Sacrifice": Sacrificial Dance (The Chosen One)Igor Stravinsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 5 In E Minor, Op. 64, TH.29: 4. Finale (Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace) - Live At Salzburg / 1998Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Valery Gergiev
In the Steppes of Central AsiaAlexander Borodin, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act II: No. 12, Divertissement: d. Trepak (Russian Dance)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): X. The Great Gates of Kyiv - Live at Musikverein, Vienna, 2000Modest Mussorgsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Valery Gergiev