Khachaturian: Masquerade Suite; Kabalevsky: The Comedians; Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien; Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio Espagnol / Kondrashin
Product Details
Editorial Reviews
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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
Customer Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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