Customer Reviews

Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Symphony No. 2 'Antar'

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My first experience of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) was a Rimsky-Korsakov CD on BIS of his Piano Concerto, Capriccio espagnol, the Tale of the Tsar Saltan, and Sadko. I thought that, if BIS recorded them, then they must be OK, so I purchased it. I now have about 5 CD's of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, my latest one also being a Rimsky-Korsakov CD on BIS- this time Sheherazade coupled with Symphony No. 2 'Antar'. [...]

Well, I thought that I would just flick though a few tracks of the Sheherazade whilst I was having lunch. I was not expecting much- after all- it is only a 'mediocre' performance of it, or so I was led to believe. Anyway, I have sat spellbound right through the entire performance of Sheherazade, when I really had other things to do.

Firstly, it is my opinion that there is not any other version that is so well recorded. Every instrument of the orchestra can clearly be heard, and the acoustics of the Petronas hall are superb. When BIS say that their recordings have a full dynamic range, they are not kidding- from the super quiet to the extraordinary loud. But even the loud does not scream out at you and make you go and turn down the volume. Especially with a subwoofer, some of the bass transients are very exhilarating.

Secondly, the playing by the orchestra is first class right throughout, especially by the very important solo violin part, which is just beautifully played. Sheherazade is a work that shows off many soloists of the orchestra, and the MPO soloists are exemplary. The conductor, Kees Bakels, interprets this work in a very satisfactory fashion, with tempi that seem just right for the occasion. This is a CD that is definitely worth having.

Each MPO CD that I get makes me go out and find another one. All 5 that I have are equally as good- the recorded sound and the orchestral playing is superb. The MPO have a web site (http://www.malaysianphilharmonic.com/mpo_recordings.php) which lists all their CD's. I even have their Glazunov Violin Concerto & Seasons on VOX, and the recorded sound is just as good as BIS!