COMPOSERS: Rimsky-Korsakov
LABELS: BMG Melodiya
WORKS: Sheherazade; Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3
PERFORMER: USSR SO/Evgeny Svetlanov
CATALOGUE NO: 74321 40065 2 ADD 1969-84
Sustained energy and intensity in performance make it a compelling journey as the mature, full-colour Rimsky of Sheherazade emerges during his early symphonic explorations. You will wonder why the less familiar pieces are not at the heart of the repertoire. Svetlanov’s way with a prime Soviet orchestra was just right for drawing the composer out of his shell. Acoustics vary from the grandiose to the warm and direct, but it matters little – they don’t make them like this any more. Robert Maycock
Rimsky-Korsakov: Sheherazade; Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3
Sustained energy and intensity in performance make it a compelling journey as the mature, full-colour Rimsky of Sheherazade emerges during his early symphonic explorations. You will wonder why the less familiar pieces are not at the heart of the repertoire. Svetlanov’s way with a prime Soviet orchestra was just right for drawing the composer out of his shell. Acoustics vary from the grandiose to the warm and direct, but it matters little – they don’t make them like this any more. Robert Maycock
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm