Customer Reviews

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade / Russian Easter Overture

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is by my favorite from among many Scheherazades. I do not agree that the dynamic range is a problem. On the contrary, it is what CD's are all about. The technology in this wonderful recording conveys this favorite's musical and emotional scope, especially when enjoyed with good speakers in quiet surroundings or with earphones. This is the first time I have felt that a recording of this suite exploited all the possibilities, from the drama of the tales Scheherazade recounts each of 1001 nights to keep from being beheaded to the beguiling nature of Scheherazade herself.

I have loved the companion Russian Easter Ouverture since discovering classical music as a teenager. Again, this CD is the first recording I have heard that fully realizes its possibilities.

The acoustic is delectably atmospheric, and the microphone placement and mixing combine with it to convey the ambience of the great orchestra in personal concert for the fortunate listener.

I own a truckload of classical CD's. This is one of the favorites I hear again and again.

As far as sound quality of classical cds go, you really have to pay attention to the fine print and here it's DDD. That makes all the difference as this recording is one of the best-sounding classical recordings I have ever heard and is currently the best classical cd, sound quality-wise, that I own. I'm sure the fact that this recording was made in the early 90s must have also helped but as far as this being a worthy cover of Rimsky-Korsakov's brilliant masterpiece is concerned, fear not as Yuri Temirkanov and the New York Philharmonic have done an excellent job here. Great sound quality and wonderful performances of a brilliant work of music make this very highly recommended indeed.

This is the kind of score you liken to impressionist paintings. The appeal is so immediate almost everyone loves it from first hearing/sighting. Having enjoyed and then been exhausted by the limited stylings of Dorati/Minn. in my youth, I next heard the Reiner/CSO, Beecham/RPO, Ormandy/PO accounts in first class (for the 60s) stereo sound, realizing what one could achieve from this tuneful score accompanied by current technology. I've since heard it performed live by Rostropovich and the NSO in 1976, and Micheal Tilson-Thomas and the SFO in the 90s. Of all recordings i've heard this ranks as my favorite. The NYPO coached and rehearsed within an inch of their lives by Kurt Masur and now under the spell of this insightful conductor deliver one of the finest recordings I've ever heard of this piece. Temerkinov in this manhattan ballroom recording produces the work of a man possessed by the sensuality of this piece, and totally in control of the skilled musicians in front of him. Highly recommended for those seeking a sumptuous romantic account of this brilliant warhorse.

I first heard this recording on the radio, a few years back, then decided to buy the CD. The overall offect is quite pleasing - hypnotic at times - and Bernstein's orchestra, the NY Philharmonic, is captured in great form under Temirkanov. The playing is also first rate, the violin solo by Glenn Dicterow is well executed. I found the orchestral contrasts between soft and loud passages to be exaggerated and in general, the various sections lacking in continuity of purpose. Music for the senses, but also music that has to make sense, I mean musically. Phrasing is the key - as in the New World Symphony or the Symphonie fantastique. This is lovely, but the whole thing seems to lack in perspective. The RUSSIAN EASTER OVERTURE is very well done, great sound, à la Russe.

I'm not a special fan of Temirkanov. I find most of his readings "average"
whether not boring. But this Scherezade have been a real revelation. It is
a wonderful, thrilling and exciting reading, a special version where every
important feature finds its place. Perhaps there's a lack of a final punch
to reach the levels of legendary versions such as Reiner, Beecham or Igor
Markevitch's. However, this is one of the most succesful recordings from
digital era, with special mention to the wonderfully taken sound. A safe
recommendation.

This is a shining, expansive, lush, rich and powerful version of Rimsky-Korsakov's exotic and sweeping Sheherazade. The rock-bottom price makes for a great oppurtunity to build a classical repitiore on a budget.

The added bonus is the wonderful Russian Easter Overture, which was my very first introduction to the colorful Russian composer. The Overture, which should be at least as popular as Tchaikovsky's hacknied 1812 Overture, is a vibrant depiction of a Russian Easter celebration with the horns and strings alluding to solemn Orthodox hymns and a finale that features church bells and percussion thundering in the ressurection of Christ. But one need not be particular religious to be swept away in the masterful orchestrations of this brief but moving tour-de-force. It meets the effect of touching deeply upon the sad and soulful Russian soul.

My favorite version of "Scheherazade" was by Joel Pernea, but I don't think it's made it to CD. Never fear; this one is as powerful as I remember Pernea's being. Of course I haven't heard every "Scheherazade" out there, but this one's a little special, so go fot it.

Excellent sound quality. I love this music - it is very dramatic and exciting! Some classical music is, in my terms, "little music" which means that it is meaningless and goes no where. So that must mean this is "big music!" If you want emotion and drama in your music, this is for you.

Every day an unknown number of new listeners is thrilled by first hearing the glittering Scheherazade, but to conductors it's as hackneyed as the 1812 Overture, unless...

The "unless" covers a lot of ways to invigorate this warhose. Stokowski applies lush gaudiness in his three readings, which can be thrilling. Reiner gave us astonishing orchestral virtuosity from the Chicago Sym. and one of Living Stereo's best recordings, a marvel almost fifty years on. beecham delivers a fresh, buoyant readding that comes close to being joyous (though the EMI recording is dated).

Temirkanov certainly has the potential to do something special with Scheherazade, but what we get instead is an all-around straighforward reading, good but not spectacular sound, and some nice expressive touches here and there. The NY Phil. doesn't sound that jazzed, either. Altogether, I had hoped for more.