Customer Reviews

Russian Orchestral Works

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This Sony Essential Classics disc collects some lesser-known works by great nineteenth and twentieth century Russian composers, and some great works by some lesser-known Russian composers. "Russian Orchestral Works" features yet another in a long line of terrific performances by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. The most familiar compositions here by far are Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee" (one of two pieces performed by Leopold Stokowski and the National Philharmonic Orchestra and not Ormandy) and "Procession of the Nobles," and Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance." The other pieces range from other excerpts from Rimsky-Korsakov operas, to less familiar works by Mussorgsky, Kabalevsky and Khachaturian, to three composers I had never heard prior to purchasing this CD -- Balakirev, Gliere and Ivanov. In all, the disc is sequenced intelligently, and the music played and recorded impeccably. This might not be the most "Essential" of the Sony Essential Classics series, but it will make a welcome addition to any classical collection.

Ormandy's skill never ceases to amaze me. This is an incredible collection of many of the greatest Russian Orchestral pieces, all performed excellently -- attention to dynamics, expression, and timing is all superb. The lion's share of this cd is devoted to Rimsky. A brilliant performance of Le Coq d'or, and of course the usual Procession of Nobles, Tumblers, and Flight of the Bumblebee. The big surprise is Ivan the Terrible, which is rarely performed (neither orchestral nor opera).

The rest is made largely of modern Russians, save a Balakirev piece and a brief excerpt of Mussorgsky, thankfully excluding Stravinsky, Prokofiev, and gang.

Worth it even just for the performances, if not for the pieces.

"Essential Classics", which has provided the world with many wonderful, delightfully cheap performances of the best known repertoire presents something a little different - a wonderful, delightfully cheap performance of little known pieces by some of the best Russian composers who have been overshadowed by their comrades.

No, you won't find Tchaikovsky here. You'll find Rimsky-Korsakov in something beyond "Scheherezade" (and boy do you find him). You'll find Balakirev, and will hopefully turn towards his other pieces (the incredible piano concertos on Hyperion [with Rimsky-Korsakov, as it so happens] are highly recommended!) and fall in love. You'll see another side of Mussorgsky, the one beyond "Pictures at an Exhibition". You'll spot Khachaturian, too. You'll meet Kabalevsky (who?) and Ivanov (again, who?). You'll find Gliere in his amazing form in "Russian Sailor's Dance" (my personal favorite - exciting, energetic, and awesome).

There are composers here you've heard of, but never heard. There are composers you know from one piece, and are curious for more. There are the obscure, the forgotten, and the brilliant. And it's cheap. If not found here, it's downloadable, but having it's preferable to purchase (thus the Amazon review).

Enjoy!

For everyone not too highbrow for his own good, this collection of Russian "pops" is one of the most enjoyable CDs ever put together. The playing of the Philadelphia's percussion section beggars description, with razor-sharp attacks and cutoffs, yet the richest tone imaginable; and Ormandy's "Russian Sailor's Dance" must be one of the most exciting performances of anything ever recorded.

i bought this CD solely for the purpose of owning once piece on here, Rimsky-Korsakov's Procession of Nobles. i have loved that piece ever since my band played it in high school. it is a great piece of music. oh, and all the others on here are awesome as well. :)