Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits

Greatest hits

Was a little disappointed with the CD. Was expecting more music that he is famous for, but instead, it had a number of little known works. February 23, 2008

A useful introduction

This CD will be valuable for beginners who need an introduction to the works of Rimsky-Korsakov. The performances are by Bernstein, Ormandy, and Mehta, among others, some of which are digital and others remastered from analog.

Of the three best known orchestral works of Rimsky-Korsakov, it includes two in full: Capriccio espagnol and Russian Easter Overture. One can sympathize with the compilers for having to decide what to include from the third, i.e. Scheherazade, since all four movements of this work are masterpieces. The compilers went with the last two movements.

Most of the remaining selections are the best-known pieces from Rimsky's opera suites: Farewell of the Tsar and Flight of the Bumblebee (Tsar Saltan), Dance of the Tumblers (Snow Maiden), Bridle Procession (Le coq d'or), and Procession of the Nobles (Mlada). The collection will serve its purpose if it encourages listeners to explore further and obtain the full versions of these suites and Scheherazade.

The gem of the collection is the aria "The Song of India" from the opera Sadko, sung here by a Russian tenor. Most listeners will never purchase the full opera, so it is worth the price of the CD just to have this aria available separately. Even listeners (like myself) who are not big opera fans will be enchanted by the haunting beauty of this piece.

August 7, 2007

A fine sampler

I purchased this CD to sample some of the pieces of Rimsky-Korsakov that I did not already own. The CD is a compilation of recognized conductors. The performances are competent, if not really inspired. Rimsky-Korsakov offers very listenable, approachable music and very rich orchestration. But this is a sampler, where most pieces are incomplete. If you are ready to jump in with both feet, purchase Scheherazade & Russian Easter Overture by Jose Serebrier, Scherazade & Cappricio Espanol by Mackerras/LSO, and Neeme Jarvi on Chandos ($$) for the rest.

I was first put off by the sonics of this CD, particularly the dynamic range, but this varies with each of the many recorded pieces.

In its favor, this CD is inexpensive, but don't expect to receive more than what you pay. April 24, 2003

OUTSTANDING

This is a good selection of outstanding works of one of the best Russian composers. I enjoyed it very much. September 16, 2002

Fun CD

I really appreciated the variety on this CD, from the light, bouncy bumblebee to the more bombastic pieces. I think this makes a really good intro to Korsakov's works. January 29, 2002

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