Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite; Kabalevsky: The Comedians; Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien; Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol / Kondrashin

Kondrashin came to the U.S. in 1958 to conduct concerts for Van Cliburn. While he was recording the Tchaikovsky First Piano Concerto with Cliburn, RCA also had him make these recordings (originally two LPs) with pickup musicians in New York's Manhattan Center. The nucleus of the orchestra was composed of members of the old NBC Symphony, and the ensemble plays splendidly, with violinist Oscar Shumsky earning his solo credit. Kondrashin leads spirited performances of these warhorses, mostly music so vulgar we should be ashamed of enjoying it as much as we do. RCA's famous "Living Stereo" sound has transferred splendidly to this CD, making it an exquisite, guilty pleasure. --Leslie Gerber Amazon.com

Melange of classics

What is not to like about music that carries the listener to distant lands and imbues a sense of animation and fun. Kabalevsky the Comedians has been used by many nature programs to capture the antics and elan of nature's comedians, river otters. The two travelogues by Tchaikovsky and Rimsky-Korsakov provide a wonderous magical trip for listeners that capture and share the souls of Italy and Spain. December 1, 2008

My surprise!

This is the only Khachaturian I know and this was the album cover I used to stare at when I was 7 and sit on the sofa and listen to the "Masquerade Suite". I could never find it and assumed it was out of print so about 10 years ago, I bought a low budget Naxos version and it worked but didn't quite satisfy. Although still beautiful, it lacked the sweetness. The recording was good though and I just resigned myself to it.

So today I went to review it thinking few people know of Khachaturian. And as I search for it to review, I suddenly see this CD with the very same album cover I used to stare at, reissued! I'm almost in tears of joy! I'm telling you people, The "Masquerade Suite" is just as beautiful as any. The first movement starts off with a loud and lively march. The slow movement "Nocturne" is alluring and cunning. It reels you in one inch at a time and melodically it's truly brilliant. If you buy this disc, you'll not only be enthralled but also discover a little known composer who wrote some pretty astounding music. April 5, 2008

Four Enjoyable Performances

This CD has four pieces from four composers, all performed by Kiril Kondrashin and the RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra.

The opening brass fanfare of Tchaikovsky's Capriccio italien is precise and impressive, making it my favorite recording of this work.

The performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio espagnol is as good as anyone else's, with a full sound.

The real reason to have the disk is the inclusion of two obscure pieces, Masquerade Suite by Khachaturian and The Comedians by Kabalevsky. The former shows the surface gaiety and underlying tensions at a costume party. The latter is music depicting a troupe of clowns. Both get a lively, engaging treatment.

All four pieces are played with brio and are a joy to hear.

October 5, 2005

A Classic!

If you enjoy lighter classical music and everybody needs a break every so often, this magnificent CD is for you. Wonderful music, great performances that do not sound like they came from a studio and incredible sound. The Amazon reviewer calls this music vulgar. I totally disagree, however this music is great fun. And what in the world is wrong with a little bit of fun? Recordings of this quality are extremely rare. So go ahead and buy it. You will not regret it. I can guarantee that. June 19, 2005

Get It To Listen Masquerade Suite (Others Are Alright...)

This is a rare gem that many people will probably miss. If you listen to your local classical radio station, you might actually catch this really great piece by Khachaturian. All the movements have been done with gusto and enthusiasm. It will definitely get your attention with its rich melodies. I would characterize it as almost Tchaikovsky with romantic influences.

The CD leaflet is quite informative to describe the life of Khachaturian in writing the Masquerade Suite. So, it is worth the price of the CD since it provides more information about a relatively obscure composer. I think the music really got my attention and interested in learning about where Khachaturian got his influence.

The other pieces are a mixed bag and probably depends on what your tastes are. I personally found Kabalevsky not to be quite memorable since there are no distinct theme. It's a different style which takes time to appreciate. To me, it sounds very modern like Aaron Copland which doesn't appeal to me. It is really a progression from romatic to modern music.

Tchaikovsky is much more like what you are used to from him. Expect lush and some beautiful tunes. It is not played often so you will not be humming this immediately. So, you just have to listen to it a while. It is pretty slow with highs and lows which means more patience to detail.

Rimsky-Korsakov is more exciting and probably what you expect in this CD. This probably would make sense if the entire CD would focus on strong movements like this one. I guess that is the drawback when a CD album comes out. You are sure to really want to hear one piece but the others are not up to par. However, even popular CDs you buy is a mixed bag so this is not unlike in this regards. So, I would recommend listening to the samples and then decide to buy it. You will love Khachaturian but probably won't feel the same about the others. February 17, 2004

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