The Polovtsian Dances feature two captivating pieces from the second act of Borodin's unfinished opera, Prince Igor. The first is the enchanting 'Dance of Polovtsian Maidens,' followed by the vibrant finale. After Borodin's death in 1887, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov refined and orchestrated these selections for a concert in 1879, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and musical innovation of the time. The dances reflect Borodin's unique style, blending folk elements with classical composition.
Study score
Borodin's In the Steppes of Central Asia musically portrays a caravan journeying through the Caucasus, safeguarded by Russian troops. Premiering in St. Petersburg in 1880, the piece evolves from a quiet beginning to a powerful climax, intertwining Russian and Asian themes. It concludes with the themes fading as the caravan vanishes into the distance. This newly engraved edition by Richard W. Sargeant, Jr. highlights the work's brilliance, catering to both professional and amateur musicians.
Focusing on chamber and orchestral compositions, Borodin created the Tarantella in 1862 for piano four hands, showcasing his limited but vibrant piano repertoire. This piece is a dazzling display that utilizes the full range of the piano. Richard W. Sargeant, Jr.'s orchestration brings a rich, colorful sound to the work, enhancing its energetic and captivating qualities. The orchestral version captures the excitement and brilliance of Borodin's early composition, making it a unique addition to the classical repertoire.
The Polovtsian Dances from Borodin's Prince Igor consist of two numbers from the opera's second act (8 and 17). The first dance is the 'Dance of Polovtsian Maidens' while the remaining of the dances come from the second act finale. Borodin worked sporadically for almost 18 years on Prince Igor but it was left in an incomplete chaotic state upon his death in 1887. The dances here were orchestrated by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for an 1879 concert performance and subsequently revised by him after the opera's publication in 1888. This newly engraved edition by Richard W. Sargeant, Jr. has been meticulously researched from authoritative sources so that Borodin's masterful dances are available for the enjoyment of professionals and amateurs alike. IMSLP page Wikipedia article
(Vocal Collection). A set of 4 art songs: La princesse endormie , Dissonance , Mon chant est amer et sauvage and La mer . Text in Russian and French with English translations.
(Vocal Collection). A set of 4 art songs: La princesse endormie , Dissonance , Mon chant est amer et sauvage and La mer . Text in Russian and French with English translations.
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The book details the creation of Borodin's second symphony, highlighting the composer's challenges, including the misplacement of orchestral scores and the need to re-orchestrate movements from a piano score before a 1877 performance. It features a digitally-enhanced, corrected reprint of the original 1946 score by Muzgiz, edited by Clinton Nieweg and Nancy Bradburd. Their extensive research ensures a highly authoritative version of this beloved work, part of Borodin's celebrated symphonic contributions.