Preludes

Prokofiev, Chopin, Liszt
Love for Three Oranges / Sylphides / Preludes
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (18) - Disc #1
1. Les Ridicules: Vivo
2. Scene Infernale: Le Magicien Tchelio Et Fata Morgana Jouent Aux Cartes: Allegro Moderato
3. Marche
4. Scherzo: Allegro Con Brio
5. Le Prince Et La Princesse: Andantino
6. La Fuite: Allegro
7. Prelude, Op.28, No.7
8. Nocturne, Op.32, No.2
9. Valse, Op.70, No.1
10. Mazurka, Op.33, No.2
11. Mazurka, Op.67, No.3
12. Prelude, Op.28, No.7
13. Valse, Op.69, No.1
14. Prelude, Op.28, No.7
15. Valse Op.64, No.2
16. Valse, Op.18 'Grande valse brillante'
17. Les Preludes
18. Mazeppa

CD Details

All Artists: Prokofiev, Chopin, Liszt, Fiedler, Bosp
Title: Love for Three Oranges / Sylphides / Preludes
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: RCA
Release Date: 1/11/2000
Genre: Classical
Styles: Ballets & Dances, Ballets, Forms & Genres, Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music, Historical Periods, Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
Other Editions: Prokofiev Love For Three Oranges Suite Chopin Les Sylphides Liszt Les Preludes Mazeppa Bosto Orchestra Fiedler
UPC: 090266353224

Synopsis

Amazon.com

If Arthur Fiedler is remembered at all, it's as the conductor of the Boston Pops, the popular outfit derived from the Boston Symphony, which he directed for 50 seasons until his retirement in 1979. Inevitably, the lion's share of the many discs they made for RCA were highlights and light classical selections, but an orchestra this good had no problem switching to more substantial fare, as this enjoyable release demonstrates. Prokofiev's Three Oranges Suite gets played for all it's worth, and if you're partial to the famous "March," there are an additional five brief but vivid movements to enjoy. Sylphides is never less than pleasant, though be warned that orchestrated Chopin does have a period charm but a high cringe factor! Liszt's symphonic poems don't get many live outings now, but performances of two of the best suggest we're missing out. Fiedler delivers a cracking performance with just the right degree of soul. Mazeppa is almost luridly pictorial, but Fiedler knew how to combine substance with greasepaint in a way that defines his music-making as part of a bygone but cherished era. --Richard Whitehouse

CD Reviews

Fun stuff

Mark Kolakowski | Fair Haven, NJ United States | 09/14/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, as a reviewer notes below, there is an inexcusable typo on the cover regarding Prokofiev's dates, but at least they got them right in the liner notes. And, yes, sometimes Fiedler overdid it a bit. The Three Oranges Suite (particularly the celebrated march) is played at an exceptionally frenetic pace. Nonetheless, this is fun stuff, worthwhile as a alternative reading.While Les Sylphides is rather light and pleasant, and may be offputting to devotees of "serious" music (whatever that is), I found zero "cringe factor" in there. Rather, if you enjoy the work of Leroy Anderson (he of "Sleighride" fame, who had a long relationship composing and arranging for the Pops), you'll certainly give this a thumbs up.The 2 Liszt pieces clearly are the best stuff here, and they're done admirably well. If you view Fiedler as an old friend with a twinkle in his eye, who's always fun to spend some time with every now and then, pick up this CD. If, however, you dismiss him as a "classically incorrect" downmarket purveyor, you're looking in the wrong place to start with."

Typical Class Act by Fiedler and the Pops

J. Wible | Missouri | 01/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fielder brought out the very best of the Boston Pops, certainly moreso than its conductors following him. This recording just gives us more of what we expect of anything by the Pops under Fiedler's direction ... great music played with instrumental skill and good old enthusiasm, something significantly lacking in many orchestras of today. Sadly, there'll never be another Fielder, nor another Boston Pops as it was when he was at the podium."

FIEDLER STILL LIVES ON

mangiafrani | NYC | 06/26/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't understand what some of the reviewers find wrong with this recording by Fiedler? Every selection is tastefully done. Hats off to Les Preludes. NOBODY, BUT NOBODY has a better recording to date of this work. Some recordings might be pretty, but when it comes to climaxes all the other conductors lull you to sleep. Why can't you hear the tympanist beating his brains out especially at the finale. Only Fiedler knows. Just listen to this performance. The strings and winds are beautiful and the brass and percussion are great! We miss you Maestro Fiedler. There will never be your like again."