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Rimsky-Korsakov’s orchestral genius shines through in his colourful operatic suites, and that from his final opera Le Coq d’or is richly dramatic and expressive. The complicated folk-based story of the Snow Maiden is simplified into four enchanting movements, and that of Sadko into a single, radiantly descriptive tone-poem. The thrilling legend of Mlada is represented by vivid dances and a final Cortège. Gerard Schwarz’s recording of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade (8572693) with the Seattle Symphony was described as ‘absolutely terrific’. (ClassicsToday.com)
Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov: The Snow Maiden Suite
I. Introduction
II. Danse des oiseaux (Dance of the Birds)
III. Cortege
IV. Danse des bouffons (Dance of the Clowns)
Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov: Sadko, Musical Picture, Op. 5
Sadko, Musical Picture, Op. 5
Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov: Mlada Suite
I. Introduction
II. Redowa
III. Lithuanian Dance
IV. Indian Dance
V. Cortege
Nikolay Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov: The Golden Cockerel Suite
I. King Dodon in his Palace
II. King Dodon on the Battlefield
III. King Dodon with Queen of Shemakhan
IV. Marriage Feast and Lamentable End of King Dodon
15th December 2011
***
“the orchestral suites that Rimsky-Korsakov often extracted from his stage works often convey their textures and particular dramatic flavours very vividly...all the performances, including those of the less well-known extracts...have real energy and a touch of the necessary theatricality too.”
February 2012
“The Seattle players are excellent, with a confident horn section that has plenty to rejoice in...the excerpts [from The Golden Cockerel] are more substantial, and are not only vividly presented but well-shaped. The pieces are enjoyable as lollipops; perhaps they will also encourage listeners to explore Rimsky-Korsakov's operatic legacy more fully.”
February 2012
****
“it's not so much the marine atmosphere [in Sadko] or, indeed, the mood-conscious introductions to the three other works which are impressive but the way the conductor gets his Seattle players to dance...The Seattle woodwind burst with character, and there's some hair-raising trombone playing as the surreal drama of Rimsky-Korsakov's slightly scary swansong builds up a head of steam.”
29th January 2012
“This is exquisitely crafted, Fabergé-egg music, and Schwarz’s Seattle players revel in the exotic harmonies and orchestration.”
August 2012
“[the disc] gives the impression of a conductor who is fully in sympathy with the music and who brings out the best, both in the works performed, and from this really rather good orchestra...Clowns is taken at a sensible tempo - not ‘hyped up’ to make it sensationalist as is so often the case. It nevertheless retains a wonderful sense of exuberance and energy.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
I. Introduction
