Rimsky-Korsakov: Sheherazade/Symphonies

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (Composer), Evgeny Svetlanov (Conductor), USSR Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Heinrich Friedheim (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Heinrich Friedheim
• Orchestra: USSR Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Evgeny Svetlanov
• Composer: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
• Audio CD (May 20, 1997)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Melodiya
• ASIN: B000001HDP
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #417,901 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Scheherazade, symphonic suite for orchestra, Op. 35: 1. The Sea and Sindbad's Ship. Largo e maestoso - Lento - Allegro non troppo

2. Scheherazade, symphonic suite for orchestra, Op. 35: 2. The Story of the Kalender Prince. Lento - Andantino - Allegro molto

3. Scheherazade, symphonic suite for orchestra, Op. 35: 3. The Young Prince and the Young Princess. Andantino quasi allegretto

4. Scheherazade, symphonic suite for orchestra, Op. 35: 4. Festival in Bagdad; The Sea; The Ship goes to Pieces on a Rock surmounted by

5. Symphony, for orchestra in E minor (ii) No. 1, Op. 1: 1. Largo assai - Allegro

6. Symphony, for orchestra in E minor (ii) No. 1, Op. 1: 2. Andante tranquillo (on a song of Tatar captivity)

7. Symphony, for orchestra in E minor (ii) No. 1, Op. 1: 3. Scherzo. Vivace

8. Symphony, for orchestra in E minor (ii) No. 1, Op. 1: 4. Allegro assai

Disc: 2

1. Symphonic Suite: 'Antar' (iii), for orchestra (Symphony No. 2), Op. 9: 1. Largo - Allegro giocoso

2. Symphonic Suite: 'Antar' (iii), for orchestra (Symphony No. 2), Op. 9: 2. Allegro - Meno mosso allargando - Molto allegro

3. Symphonic Suite: 'Antar' (iii), for orchestra (Symphony No. 2), Op. 9: 3. Allegro risoluto alla Marcia

4. Symphonic Suite: 'Antar' (iii), for orchestra (Symphony No. 2), Op. 9: 4. Allegretto vivace - Andante amoroso - Animato assai - Tempo

5. Symphony, for orchestra No. 3 (ii) in C major, Op. 32: 1. Moderato assai

6. Symphony, for orchestra No. 3 (ii) in C major, Op. 32: 2. Scherzo. Vivo

7. Symphony, for orchestra No. 3 (ii) in C major, Op. 32: 3. Andante

8. Symphony, for orchestra No. 3 (ii) in C major, Op. 32: 4. Allegro con spirito

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-have, October 29, 2000

By A Customer

This isn't the best performance of the Scheherazade, but it is very good. The interpretation is unique, but the solos are a little complicated by it and, as a result, it causes quite a struggle for the performers. It is definitely worth owning.

The symphonies are the real treat, particularly the first and second. The first symphony is marked by a callow but confidently traditional mood and is one of my favorites, though it is often hard to find and isn't Rimsky's most provocative work.

Antar (symphony 2) is the precursor to Scheherazade in my mind. Like the Scheherazade, it is a musical story that, through its colorful orchestration and dynamic composition, almost becomes completely visual.

I have my own affection for the third symphony, but I'll be the first to say that it is one of Rimsky's least appreciable works. It is far too overstudied -- to the point that it often impedes developement. Still, it is a Rimsky work, and I don't think any of his work can even border on failure. There is a significant amount of value in the scherzo alone, and the symphony is definitely worth hearing and enjoying.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Svetlanov has conducted the definitive Scheherazade, October 14, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

I have looked for over 4 years for the CD of this recording. Svetlanov has, in my opinion, taken this symphony to exactly the place of fantasy intended by the composer.

On this recording you are able to hear the stories told by the slave and are kept in suspense until each story continues, only to be caught up again in the next one.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Good Set, But Leaves Room for Improvement!, August 29, 2002

By	Paul Rossi "Paul Rossi" (Walla Walla, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have owned this two-CD set for several years now. I finally decided to listen carefully to all the works presented on it. Overall, this is a fine achievement, but the listener can definitely find better, technically refined, tuned performances of these often-overlooked works by Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

For example, "Scheherazade" is given idiomatically and persuasively by Svetlanov and his players, but it suffers from severe sonic distortion in tutti secions where the entire orchestra plays, like the opening notes. In "The Story of the Kalendar Prince," the solo trombonist gives a horrible solo, with tempi that are too slow and an awful, blatty vibrato, though the trumpet solo is excellent. Still, this performance is very good overall.

Next, the First Symphony suffers from out-of-tune sections in the first movement. There is also a noticeable amount of rhythmic "fudging" by the low strings. Again, the tutti sections suffer from severe distortion. The second movement is beautiful and serene, though. This is very special symphony which generally comes off very well.

The U.S.S.R Symphony's performance of "Antar" under Svetlanov begins very out of tune. It is actually hard to tell which key the orchestra is playing in! Overall, this is one of the better performances of the set. The drama and tension, as well as Rimsky's brilliant orchestration, are captured very well, and this performance will be sure to excite.

Finally, the Third Symphony presented here is also one of the better performances of the set. It does not seem as exaggerated at the tutti sections, in the sections where precise rhythm is most important, and the overall blend of the orchestra. This symphony is very little-known, and it is wonderful to have a great performance of it.

Overall, I would recommend this set to any listener. However, though I have not listened to any other recordings of these works, I have researched which recordings to have. I would recommend Neeme Jarvi's recordings of the Rimsky symphonies, coupled with the Capriccio Espagnole, on the Deutsch Grammophon label. Another recommendation for these works is that of Dmitri Kitajenko on the Chandos label. It is a two-CD set with the Capriccio, the symphonies, the Russian Easter Overture, and the Rimsky Piano Concerto. These are difficult to find, however, and this set suffices, for the most part.