Nikolai RimskyKorsakov Yuri Temirkanov New York Philharmonic - RimskyKorsakov Scheherazade (5 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

Beguiling, Atmospheric, Dramatic -- Marvelous Dynamic Range!

Irreverent | La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA | 04/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is by my favorite from among many Scheherazades. I do not agree that the dynamic range is a problem. On the contrary, it is what CD's are all about. The technology in this wonderful recording conveys this favorite's musical and emotional scope, especially when enjoyed with good speakers in quiet surroundings or with earphones. This is the first time I have felt that a recording of this suite exploited all the possibilities, from the drama of the tales Scheherazade recounts each of 1001 nights to keep from being beheaded to the beguiling nature of Scheherazade herself. I have loved the companion Russian Easter Ouverture since discovering classical music as a teenager. Again, this CD is the first recording I have heard that fully realizes its possibilities. The acoustic is delectably atmospheric, and the microphone placement and mixing combine with it to convey the ambience of the great orchestra in personal concert for the fortunate listener. I own a truckload of classical CD's. This is one of the favorites I hear again and again."

Great Sound! Great Performance! Great Music!

Frederick Baptist | Singapore | 06/06/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As far as sound quality of classical cds go, you really have to pay attention to the fine print and here it's DDD. That makes all the difference as this recording is one of the best-sounding classical recordings I have ever heard and is currently the best classical cd, sound quality-wise, that I own. I'm sure the fact that this recording was made in the early 90s must have also helped but as far as this being a worthy cover of Rimsky-Korsakov's brilliant masterpiece is concerned, fear not as Yuri Temirkanov and the New York Philharmonic have done an excellent job here. Great sound quality and wonderful performances of a brilliant work of music make this very highly recommended indeed."

A great conductor going through the motions

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 10/26/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Every day an unknown number of new listeners is thrilled by first hearing the glittering Scheherazade, but to conductors it's as hackneyed as the 1812 Overture, unless...

The "unless" covers a lot of ways to invigorate this warhose. Stokowski applies lush gaudiness in his three readings, which can be thrilling. Reiner gave us astonishing orchestral virtuosity from the Chicago Sym. and one of Living Stereo's best recordings, a marvel almost fifty years on. beecham delivers a fresh, buoyant readding that comes close to being joyous (though the EMI recording is dated).

Temirkanov certainly has the potential to do something special with Scheherazade, but what we get instead is an all-around straighforward reading, good but not spectacular sound, and some nice expressive touches here and there. The NY Phil. doesn't sound that jazzed, either. Altogether, I had hoped for more."

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