Customer Reviews

Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite; Kabalevsky: The Comedians; Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien; Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol / Kondrashin

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are so many treasurable recordings that RCA has in their archives, one can only wish they would take their virtual responsibility of getting them to the market a little more seriously. However, we should be grateful for what they have done so far. This particular CD when originally released contained only "The Masquerade Suite" and "The Comedians," both recorded in the late 1950s. For the CD, we have welcome filler in the form of the two capriccios. This CD speaks more than any amount of words as to the tragic loss music suffered over the early death of conductor, Kiril Kondrashin. "The Masquerade Suite" and "The Comedians" in particular have incredible style and sweep. These pieces which have been for so long relegated to the status of pops concerts level become in Kondrashin's hands the decided masterpieces of colorful writing and wonderful orchestration that they actually are. I must go so far as to say that these interpretations are definitive. We like to think of all the technical advances we have made in the last decades, but the sonics of the original analog tapes make these pieces sound like they were recorded yesterday rather than 40 years ago. There is not a trace of compression or distortion. Volumes on a good stereo system can be put to earthquake level. The final movement of the Kabelevsky is a speaker buster with Kabelevsky's ample use of kettle drums for the grand finish. On the other side of the coin, there is Oscar Shumsky's incomparable violin playing in "The Masquerade Suite" with its heartfelt second movement's large violin solo. This is a "must-have" CD. We have absolutely magnificent performances of two masterpieces of orchestration from the mid-twentieth century Russian school, and to have the added bonus of Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsokav thrown in makes one feel with this recording that one's cup runs over.

Many do not know Aram Khachaturian's moving, romantic music, but they would likely recognised the Sabre Dance, used everywhere commercials and cartoons or the Adagio used by Stanley Kubrick in 2001: A Space Odyssey. That frantic, almost comical Sabre Dance comes from the oh so romantic Gayne Ballet Suite along with the Adagio made famous when Kubrick chose it for his film.

But it's his Masquerade Suite I love the most. Khachaturian's music has a feel as if it should come from a contemporary of Saint Saens, instead of one living and composing in the 20th century (he died in 1978). I danced to this as a ballet dancer, and I don't know any music quite so filled my heart and soul.
Few composure can imbue their music with so much passion. The Masquerade Suites' Waltz, Romance and Nocturne are just breathtaking.

I had to hunt and hunt to find this on a record, so I so delighted to see it on CD!!

Just is nothing as beautiful! To think this same composure also gave us the Gayne Ballet and Spartacus is simply amazing.

So discover the beauty of Khachaturian!

This is a fun CD. Yes, I think 'fun' is the best word to describe these works. They are all delightful (and by no means trivial) romps through the world of orchestral color. And the sound- it sounds as if it was recorded in '98 rather than '58! Add the brilliantly exuberant playing of the orchestra led by the incomparable Kondrashin to the mix, and you have a potent concoction. Don't pass on this one.

Sometimes beautiful and always entertaining, this CD is a good investment...except for the later movements of Capriccio Espagnol (in which members of the orchestra seem to have difficulty staying in tune and in sync with one another). If you're looking for a flawless Capriccio Espagnol, try another CD. I think I have detected some sync problems in some of the other pieces, but nothing that will ruin the listening experience. Don't get me wrong, though...this CD isn't a waste of money.

This CD has four pieces from four composers, all performed by Kiril Kondrashin and the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra.

The opening brass fanfare of Tchaikovsky's Capriccio italien is precise and impressive, making it my favorite recording of this work.

The performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio espagnol is as good as anyone else's, with a full sound.

The real reason to have the disk is the inclusion of two obscure pieces, Masquerade Suite by Khachaturian and The Comedians by Kabalevsky. The former shows the surface gaiety and underlying tensions at a costume party. The latter is music depicting a troupe of clowns. Both get a lively, engaging treatment.

All four pieces are played with brio and are a joy to hear.

This is the only Khachaturian I know and this was the album cover I used to stare at when I was 7 and sit on the sofa and listen to the "Masquerade Suite". I could never find it and assumed it was out of print so about 10 years ago, I bought a low budget Naxos version and it worked but didn't quite satisfy. Although still beautiful, it lacked the sweetness. The recording was good though and I just resigned myself to it.

So today I went to review it thinking few people know of Khachaturian. And as I search for it to review, I suddenly see this CD with the very same album cover I used to stare at, reissued! I'm almost in tears of joy! I'm telling you people, The "Masquerade Suite" is just as beautiful as any. The first movement starts off with a loud and lively march. The slow movement "Nocturne" is alluring and cunning. It reels you in one inch at a time and melodically it's truly brilliant. If you buy this disc, you'll not only be enthralled but also discover a little known composer who wrote some pretty astounding music.

The LP version of this album was given to me when I was a kid, and I literally loved it to death. By the time I was old enough to be more careful with my albums, LPs had been replaced by CDs, but alas! I couldn't find this album! It wasn't released until recently. Once I found it, I bought two copies. I special-ordered several copies for the book & music store where I work and sold them to lucky customers. Now my employer doesn't carry music anymore, so I'm going to do my best to promote this album here. Khachaturian's "Masquerade Suite" is one of my all-time favorites, and the other pieces on the album balance it perfectly.

The LIVING STEREO series is marvelous, and I think the very best performances and recordings were made during this period, from the late 1950s to the late 1960s. The fidelity, the virtuosity, the presentation -- perfect! Add it to your collection!

If there is any music to describe my life now at 60 it would be Masquerade by Khachaturian. It's so Add, I love it!
Peace

Originally recorded in 1958, this is a Masterpiece CD. The sound is great; the music is great. Every movement of each composition was simply enjoyable.

This is a rare gem that many people will probably miss. If you listen to your local classical radio station, you might actually catch this really great piece by Khachaturian. All the movements have been done with gusto and enthusiasm. It will definitely get your attention with its rich melodies. I would characterize it as almost Tchaikovsky with romantic influences.

The CD leaflet is quite informative to describe the life of Khachaturian in writing the Masquerade Suite. So, it is worth the price of the CD since it provides more information about a relatively obscure composer. I think the music really got my attention and interested in learning about where Khachaturian got his influence.

The other pieces are a mixed bag and probably depends on what your tastes are. I personally found Kabalevsky not to be quite memorable since there are no distinct theme. It's a different style which takes time to appreciate. To me, it sounds very modern like Aaron Copland which doesn't appeal to me. It is really a progression from romatic to modern music.

Tchaikovsky is much more like what you are used to from him. Expect lush and some beautiful tunes. It is not played often so you will not be humming this immediately. So, you just have to listen to it a while. It is pretty slow with highs and lows which means more patience to detail.

Rimsky-Korsakov is more exciting and probably what you expect in this CD. This probably would make sense if the entire CD would focus on strong movements like this one. I guess that is the drawback when a CD album comes out. You are sure to really want to hear one piece but the others are not up to par. However, even popular CDs you buy is a mixed bag so this is not unlike in this regards. So, I would recommend listening to the samples and then decide to buy it. You will love Khachaturian but probably won't feel the same about the others.