Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (Composer), Andrew Litton (Conductor), Erich Leinsdorf (Conductor), Felix Slatkin (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Concert Arts Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (Orchestra), Concerts Arts Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra, Concert Arts Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Concerts Arts Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Andrew Litton, Erich Leinsdorf, Felix Slatkin
• Composer: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
• Audio CD (October 17, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B000000UW0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,588 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #37 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Romantic (c.1820-1910) > General
  • #59 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Romantic (c.1820-1910) > General AAS

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Rimsky-Korsakov for a Little Price, July 5, 2001

By 

Nicholas Waldman (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture (Audio CD)

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is one of my favorite composers and this features his greatest orchestral works. "Scheherazade" is beautifully performed but the jewel of this CD is "Capriccio Espagnol". Unlike other recordings of Capriccio Espagnol, this one is not segmented and is also a great performance of another Rimsky-Korsakov masterpiece. I know what you are asking, "If is so good, why is it so cheap?" They are older 60's to 80's recordings in the Seraphim series but if you search, some have performances by Karajan.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Let's not get carried away here, August 20, 2009

By 

Russell I. Burnett (Newark, DE, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture (Audio CD)

To me, this particular Litton/LPO recording of Scheherazade stands out ONLY for its low price; the performance is NOT on par with my favorites: Reiner/CSO and Mackerras/LSO. The general praise heaped on it by other reviewers here seems based on its overall value, not its relative quality. Thus, this album is great for those with just a casual interest in Scheherazade, Rimsky-Korsakov, or classical music in general. But for those who want to really explore the piece, I strongly recommend an alternate recording.

Opinions will, of course, differ, but I consider the Reiner/CSO recording definitive. The tempi there are much faster, which really emphasizes the drama that is so critical to making this piece work. Of course, Reiner/CSO will cost you at least twice (~$10 right now) what this Litton/LPO version goes for, but that's still not much in my opinion. Given that it took hearing Reiner/CSO for me to even like Scheherazade, I found that investment well worth it.

As for the Capriccio Espagnol, my first exposure was another budget recording (Mardjani/Georgian Festival Orchestra), and I have yet to hear another that compares to it, this Leinsdorf/CASO recording included. Too tame.

I'm not familiar with other recordings of the Russian Easter Overture, so I can't comment on the relative quality of this one (Slatkin/HBSO). I do like the piece very much, though.

Overall, this is a great album ONLY if you're looking for some cost-friendly exposure to Rimsky-Korsakov. Otherwise, I suggest holding off for superior recordings.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great value, March 17, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Capriccio Espagnol; Russian Easter Overture (Audio CD)

This is worth buying simply to hear the LPO and Litton performing "Scheherazade." These Seraphim recordings are dated and not the best quality, but Litton knows the real power of Scheherazade is in the dynamics, and he exploits this point to its full advantage. The result is an extremely textured sound dripping with poignancy and grace. One of my favorites.