classical music:

	Rimsky-Korsakov: Greatest Hits Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Andrey Tchistyakov, ... Sony, 1995 average customer review:based on 5 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

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.

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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.


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.

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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.



Tracks
Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee | Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso | Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Variazioni. Andante con moto | Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Alborada. Vivo e strepitoso | Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Scena e canto gitano | Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: Fandango asturiano | Sadko: Song of India | The Snow Maiden: Dance of the Tumblers | Le Coq d'or Suite: IV. Introduction and Bridal Procession | Mlada Suite: Procession of the Nobles | Tsar Saltan Suite, Op. 57: Farewell of the Tsar | Russian Easter Overture | Sheherazade Symphonic Suite: The Young Prince And The Young Princess | Sheherazade Symphonic Suite: IV. Festival at Bagdad - The Sea - Shipwreck

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