Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

First - how can one go wrong buying this cd at this price? The answer is - one cannot go wrong buying this cd at this price. Not even at three times this price. It's a lush recording and is every bit as good as anything recorded yesterday in a state of the art studio. At least some people have never heard of Rimsky-Korsakov. This is a cheap way to be introduced nicely. Others have these pieces by three or four different orchestras. Add this one - you'll be glad you did if for no other reason than when it arrives you'll listen once again to music you've put away for some time.

It's truly wonderful.

...unless you are only buying this CD for Scheherazade. The orchestra never hits the right buttons with Cappricio Espagnol, and sounds rather plodding throughout. The opening of the Russian Easter Overture is difficult enough since there is nothing going on but unison, and if it isn't done right, it can sound rather high-schoolish, as it does here. The reading of Scheherazade, however, is decent and worth a listen.

One of my pet peeves is that reissues don't clearly state the original recording dates, especially in online descriptions. It turns out the the Scheherzade suite is from a 1998 recording of the London Philharmonic under Andrew Litton, and the Overture and Capriccio are from 1958 and 1959 respectively. I'm always a little concerned about older reissues, but the sound quality on both late '50s EMI recordings is excellent both for their time and in absolute terms. There are very slight frequency limitations on the older recordings, but their general quality is excellent and their frequency range is very wide. Modern recordists could probably learn from them aside from their use of some close-miking. Dynamics of the older recordings are slightly limited compared to the digital age or state-of-the-art analog tape. Tape noise on the analog recordings is not intrusive. The 1998 recordings have excellent modern sound quality, fully-digitally recorded and with good hall sound, etc. Miking is not too close, probably a couple meters upstage of the conductor. So one of my main concerns, for sound quality, is easily met. The sound is highly competent.

Performances are also excellent. The Capriccio Espagnol is played by the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra under Felix Slatkin. Pacing, structure and general presentation and interpretation are spot on. As fitting Rimsky-Korsakov's late-Romantic material, the drama is palpable. The Russian Easter Festival Overture played by the Concert Arts Symphony Orchestra under Erich Leinsdorf carries traditional Russian themes into the Romantic era. Leinsdorf and the Concert Arts embrace the piece and infuse it with appropriate life and mystery. My main complaint is technical: the spot miking of soloists distracts from the wholeness of the work. But overall, the performance is wonderful. Litton's interpretation of Scheherezade is serious but fun. It's treated like a real piece and not a symphonic warhorse, joke or exercise. The soloists are sharp and the ensemble playing is both together and fluid. It's classic LPO playing with a good conductor.

These recordings are winners on three levels: artistry, sound quality and price. At under $4 this recording and likely the whole series would seem to be a bargain. I hope Amazon will carry more of these Seraphim / EMI / Virgin reissues.

I'm surprised this CD isn't displayed on the Classical Blowout store. Perhaps it's *too* good a bargain? I purchased this CD for one piece: The Story Of The Kalandar Prince. My children and I love this work, as it is orchestrated like a story ("tone poem" is the correct term I think) - insert your imagination as to how it plays out.

This a wonderful CD to play on a cold winter night, with a roaring fire and a glass of wine. If you want a fine introduction to the 'oomph' of Easter European composers, you can do no wrong with this CD. I also recommend the Edwin Elgar Pomp & Circumstance CD from this bargain Seraphim collection.

This CD is one of the best classical cds I have ever owned. You can listen to it time and time again and never wear it out. Russian Easter is an absolute masterpiece--it touches the heart of the Russian spirit. This cd is priced excellently. Highly highly recommended

Having been a professional violinist and pianist for thirty years, I have developed a special appreciation for classical music. Scheherezade is one of the great orchestral pieces. This version clearly highlights the great skill of the composer and the orchestra. All the pieces on this cd are performed at a high skill level and the recording quality is excellent. It is on a par with the great performances by other orchestras, and I highly recommend it.

The violin solo's are hear breakingly beautiful. Listening with your eyes closed, you can envision the supporting story. Beautiful. Price from this supplier was fantastic and delivery was reasonable. I'd buy from them again.