Search - Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Kees Bakels, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra :: Rimsky-Korsakov: The Snow Maiden

Outstanding performances of some of Rimsky-Korsakov's opera

Russ | Richmond, VA | 11/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I acquired this disc, it had probably been several years since I had purchased any music from Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908). After all, I already owned the majority of his works, including the Christmas Eve and Snow Maiden suites included on this release; and was mostly content with recordings of the works I owned. However, I had heard really good things about BIS' Rimsky-Korsakov recordings, featuring the Malaysian Philharmonic, so I decided to give this disc a try. Lucky I did, as I thoroughly enjoyed this disc.



In short, this is the most marvelously played and recorded Rimsky-Korsakov program that I have encountered. The players revel in the music's exotic orchestral textures, making this already lively music sparkle with vibrancy. Of course, BIS' excellent engineers splendidly capture every note.



And, what of the music itself? Well, there is little that needs to be said, except that this is Rimsky-Korsakov at his best. Rimsky-Korsakov has a readily identifiable and highly attractive style. Maybe it is fairy-tale like atmosphere, the vivacious, yet charming, melodies or the stirring nobility of his works that commands the listener's attention, but in any case, his music is great. While, the majority of the pieces on this program are not considered to be among Rimsky-Korsakov's best known works, that really does not mean anything except that these pieces are still waiting to get the attention they deserve. The endearing Christmas Eve suite, with its captivating melodic material, certainly should be better known. The Pan Voyevoda suite contains a lovely "moonlight" movement, as well as an exciting mazurka and a regal polonaise that will surely have you humming along. The Snow Maiden suite might be the best known piece on this release. Suffice it to say that the suite's "Dance of the Tumblers" brings the program to an exciting close.



In conclusion, I strongly urge you to overcome any preconceived notions you may have about Malaysian orchestras, and check out this outstanding, very generously filled, disc. No matter whether this would be your first, or twenty-first Rimsky-Korsakov purchase, I think you will definitely enjoy this release.



TT: 82:27 (!!)"