Rachmaninov: Symphonic Dances; Prince Rostislav; Gypsy Capriccio

Advantages: Gorgeous Melodies, Exciting, Storytelling Piece and all around Beautiful Music
Disadvantages: None

...or Shahrazad) was composed in the winter of 1887-1888 and it took its inspiration excerpts from Tales of the Arabian Nights which were stories told by Sheherazade (a beautiful woman who was forced to tell stories to postpone her execution which had been ordered by her “royal master.”) The Movements of Sheherazade, Symphonic Suite, Op. 35 are as follows: The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship The Kalender Prince The Young Prince and the Young Princess Festival at Baghdad-The Sea The composer himself described Sheherazade as “a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale images and designs of Oriental character.” ************************ Review of Sheherazade ************************ Sheherazade is probably my favorite classical work of all time. I adore it and never tire of hearing it. It starts out with a loud, dark and intense brass line that is followed by some... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautiful, carefree winding melodies, memorable sequences, wonderful for the christmas season.
Disadvantages: Absolutely none.

...further, Clara throws one of her slippers at him, knocking him out immediately! His fellow mice panic, and end up carrying off their leaders body. Part 3, the nutcracker journeys, After the battle, the Nutcracker turns into a charming prince, and takes Clara on a journey, first he tours the magnificant land of snow. The land of snow takes the form of an enchanted forest, the prince and Clara are welcomed by a legion of dancing snowflakes. The Nutcracker prince continues his journey, he then arrives in the land of sweets, where he tells the Sugar Plum Fairy of his battle with the Mouse King, his reward is a celebration of dances! The finale is a dance between the Sugar Plum Fairy and her companion the Cavalier. The ballet concludes with Clara waking up from her dream to find herself below the huge Christmas tree. The Music... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Romantic, passionate and beautiful
Disadvantages: Unless you have a heart of stone absolutely none whatsoever

...- - GENERAL HISTORY - - Sergei Rachmaninov was at the height of his popularity in 1906, winged by the popularity of his Second Piano Concerto of 1901 and his early C sharp minor Prelude. During this time he composed such major works as the First Piano Sonata, the symphonic poem "The Isle of the Dead", Op.29, the 18 songs of Op.26, and most importantly, the Second Symphony in E minor, Op.27. This work was Rachmaninov's first attempt at a symphony in eleven years, after his First Symphony (a work that the composer really wanted to forget, going so far as to forbid its publication and performance) bombed at its premiere. He began the Second Symphony in October 1906, right after he and his family had settled in the peaceful surroundings of Dresden. It was finished in rough draft by early 1907, but work on it progressed slowly. Rachmaninov... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful