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A Russian Spectacular

A Russian Spectacular

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PROKOFIEV: Alexander Nevsky Op. 78
SHOSTAKOVICH: Festive Overture in A Major Op.96
BORODIN: Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor
MUSSORGSKY: Dawn over the Moscow River

This magnificent digital recording conducted by RMP Chief Conductor Andrew Wailes features Prokofiev’s powerful cantata ‘Alexander Nevsky’, one of the most renowned cantatas of the 20th century. Also a spirited performance of Borodin’s famous ‘Polovtsian Dances’ from the opera ‘Prince Igor’, Mussorgsky’s haunting ‘Dawn on the Moscow River’ (Prelude to the opera ‘Khovantschina’), and Shostakovich’s dynamic ‘Festive Overture’ in A major, Op. 96, written to commemorate the 37th anniversary of the October Revolution. A passionate massed choir of over 200 voices, complimented by almost 100 orchestral musicians of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra with members of Melbourne Youth Orchestra makes this a sumptuous sonic experience. A spectacular live recording from Melbourne Town Hall. Includes 20 page CD booklet, including artist biographies, photographs and complete list of performers.

“The highlight of the program was Prokofiev’s great cantata, Alexander Nevsky. After hearing this wonderful performance I have to wonder why it is not heard more often.  However, its massive concept and complexity could only be tackled by a few choirs in this country – and they would need the support of a great orchestra.  On this occasion both factors were present plus, in Wailes, a conductor who could hold it all together. . The choir impressed with the rounded sound needed for Russian music, and singing that was harmonious and full… . I could not imagine a better performance – even in Russia!” –   (Prokofiev’s Alexander Nevsky)  Arts Hub Review 2012

“The strong brass playing (a consistent feature throughout the performance) led an impressive opening to the Shostakovich, with Wailes directing a sound that was both spirited and satisfyingly ‘big’ – no mean feat. The Mussorgsky, a gentle contrast, was well articulated with strings and winds to the fore, with some fine individual playing… It was easy to picture the sunrise, to appreciate the strings’ counterpoint to the winds’ melody and to be captivated by the ending of the work. Wailes conducted economically but effectively, with an obvious confidence in his well-rehearsed orchestra.” – Classic Melbourne (Shostakovich, Mussorgsky, Borodin, Prokofiev, 2012)

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A Russian Spectacular
A Russian Spectacular
A Russian Spectacular
Regular price
$25.00
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$20.00/ea
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Regular price
$25.00
Sale price
$20.00/ea
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