Nicholas Waldman | Sacramento, CA United States | 07/05/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov is one of my favorite composers and this features his greatest orchestral works. "Scheherazade" is beautifully performed but the jewel of this CD is "Capriccio Espagnol". Unlike other recordings of Capriccio Espagnol, this one is not segmented and is also a great performance of another Rimsky-Korsakov masterpiece. I know what you are asking, "If is so good, why is it so cheap?" They are older 60's to 80's recordings in the Seraphim series but if you search, some have performances by Karajan."
Cheap? Only in price
Howard C. Batt | 02/21/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First - how can one go wrong buying this cd at this price? The answer is - one cannot go wrong buying this cd at this price. Not even at three times this price. It's a lush recording and is every bit as good as anything recorded yesterday in a state of the art studio. At least some people have never heard of Rimsky-Korsakov. This is a cheap way to be introduced nicely. Others have these pieces by three or four different orchestras. Add this one - you'll be glad you did if for no other reason than when it arrives you'll listen once again to music you've put away for some time.
It's truly wonderful.
"
A great value
Howard C. Batt | 03/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is worth buying simply to hear the LPO and Litton performing "Scheherazade." These Seraphim recordings are dated and not the best quality, but Litton knows the real power of Scheherazade is in the dynamics, and he exploits this point to its full advantage. The result is an extremely textured sound dripping with poignancy and grace. One of my favorites."
Keep looking...
B. R. Merrick | 12/29/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"...unless you are only buying this CD for Scheherazade. The orchestra never hits the right buttons with Cappricio Espagnol, and sounds rather plodding throughout. The opening of the Russian Easter Overture is difficult enough since there is nothing going on but unison, and if it isn't done right, it can sound rather high-schoolish, as it does here. The reading of Scheherazade, however, is decent and worth a listen."
Let's not get carried away here
Russell I. Burnett | Newark, DE, USA | 08/20/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
"To me, this particular Litton/LPO recording of Scheherazade stands out ONLY for its low price; the performance is NOT on par with my favorites: Reiner/CSO and Mackerras/LSO. The general praise heaped on it by other reviewers here seems based on its overall value, not its relative quality. Thus, this album is great for those with just a casual interest in Scheherazade, Rimsky-Korsakov, or classical music in general. But for those who want to really explore the piece, I strongly recommend an alternate recording.
Opinions will, of course, differ, but I consider the Reiner/CSO recording definitive. The tempi there are much faster, which really emphasizes the drama that is so critical to making this piece work. Of course, Reiner/CSO will cost you at least twice (~$10 right now) what this Litton/LPO version goes for, but that's still not much in my opinion. Given that it took hearing Reiner/CSO for me to even like Scheherazade, I found that investment well worth it.
As for the Capriccio Espagnol, my first exposure was another budget recording (Mardjani/Georgian Festival Orchestra), and I have yet to hear another that compares to it, this Leinsdorf/CASO recording included. Too tame.
I'm not familiar with other recordings of the Russian Easter Overture, so I can't comment on the relative quality of this one (Slatkin/HBSO). I do like the piece very much, though.
Overall, this is a great album ONLY if you're looking for some cost-friendly exposure to Rimsky-Korsakov. Otherwise, I suggest holding off for superior recordings."