Rimsky Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34

Fantasy and folklore are the subject of this 2CD collection of orchestral pieces by Rimsky-Korsakov recorded between 1953 and 1963 by the Suisse Romande Orchestra and Ernest Ansermet. We encounter Antar, disillusioned son of a slave who rises to become a Bedouin chief and dies in the arms of a fairy queen. We meet a Tsarina consigned to sea in a barrel with her son who transforms himself into a bumblebee; a witch who steals the moon; and a maiden who is immune from the power of the sun, thanks to her father, Winter, who is enemy of the sun! Antar represents Decca's first stereo recording and the booklet note includes an account of the making of this seminal document. The thrilling sound in many of the recordings is complemented by conducting of swiftness and astuteness, and above all, plenty of colour.

Entitled Russian Capriccio, this unique disc couples together Glinka’s ‘Brilliant Capriccio on a Theme of the Jota Aragonesa’, Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Spanish Capriccio for Orchestra’, Tchaikovsky’s ‘Capriccio Italien’ and Rachmaninov’s ‘Capriccio on Gypsy Themes’. Brilliantly performed by the Russian forces of the USSR State Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Svetlanov, this recording is a must for all lovers of Russian music.

These popular Russian works by Rimsky Korsakov are performed by the best Russian orchestra, conducted by Carlo Ponti Jr. (son of Carlo Ponti and Sophia Loren). Their previous collaboration on PentaTone (PTC5186332) of popular works by Mussorgsky was well received “… his thoughtful musicianship secures a classy orchestral response.” Gramophone