Given the quality of his music, it is surprising to note that Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) was never a professional musician. Musical composition for him was more of a hobby. After graduating in medicine and taking up a profession in chemistry. Borodin’s musical output was understandably small since his work was a product of his spare time only. However, despite being only a part time composer Borodin’s work, as you can hear on this CD, was in no way inferior.
Born in St. Petersburg, Borodin was part of a small elitist group of Russian composers committed to national patriotism and “truth in music”. The group referred to as “The Five” or the 'The Mighty Handful” also included Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Balakirev and Cui.
This CD, “The World of Borodin” released on the Decca label, provides indisputable evidence of Borodin’s talents. Containing extracts from his best known works, it is a kind of “greatest hits compilation”.
Borodin composed only one opera, Prince Igor. Begun in 1869, Borodin spent almost eighteen years working on the music. The opera based on a Russian epic set in the 12th century, relates the tale of Prince Igor’s conflict with marauding Tartars and his capture by the Polovtsian leader Khan Konchak. The opening track of the CD is the overture, played by the London Symphony Orchestra ( 2 flutes, piccolo,), 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, triangle, tambourine, glockenspiel, harp and strings). Based on material from the opera, the overture summarizes the story in a musical précis. The orchestral overture begins slowly with melancholic strings and woodwind portraying Prince Igor’s captivity. A faster horn based passage with a sinister percussion rhythm conveys the 'March' and 'Dance of the Plovtsian Maidens'. The overture builds to then return to the melancholic opening before reaching the climax with a drum roll and cymbal-clash.
Also included on the album (track 3) is Galizsky’s Aria from the opera. The character of Galizsky, Prince Igor’s brother-in-law, is an easy-going, self-indulgent character. These traits are depicted in the aria by his deep self-satisfied laugh which is punctuated by a plucked string dance rhythm and drum beats. The aria is sung by Bass singer, Nicholai Ghiaurov accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra.
The opera’s Polvtsian dances (track 5) are a combination of contrasting dance movements performed delightfully by the London Symphony Orchestra and chorus. Beginning with a swirling fast movement, the dance suite modulates to a slow sensual movement which is then followed by a choral dance movement raising and falling in waves (a precursor for the hauntingly beautiful, much-covered and easily-recognized song, Strangers in Paradise).
'In the Steppes of Central Asia' (track 6) is perhaps Borodin's most famous piece. It was written as incidental music for one of a series of tableaux to illustrate Russian history. This particular tableau depicted an Oriental caravan crossing the steppes escorted by Russian soldiers. The music begins with a simple melody that gradually builds to create a sense of height for the steppes. A clarinet plays a Russian-influenced tune, which is joined by an oriental based theme played on the Cor Anglais (English Horn).
The Nocturne (String Quartet no.2) (track 2) This ravishingly beautiful and moving piece is performed outstandingly well by the Borodin Quartet. Borodin dedicated The Nocturne to his wife, Ekaterina. In this piece he uses instruments to represent both his wife and himself. The dominant cello, prominent throughout the piece represents (yes you have guessed it), Borodin and a sweet first violin represents Ekaternia. The music delightfully soothing, as the two main instruments play their melodic lines contrapuntally weaving in and out of prominence, creating a warm and sensual sensation of peace and tranquility. As you can probably tell this my favorite piece on the album.
Borodin wrote little in the way of piano music but his Scherzo in A flat major (track 4) played skillfully by Vladimir Ashkenazy this piece shows the technical virtuosity in piano but to little musical effect. Although a pianist my self, this is probably my least favorite track.
The song 9 (track 7), For the shores of your far-off native land sung by Nichoai Ghiaurov, was written soon after the death of Borodin’s close friend Mussorgsky in 1881. Set to a poem by Pushkin, the song is moving and evocative.
The concluding track on the album, Symphony no. 2 in B minor, contains four movements of contrasting mood and tempo taking Borodin seven years to complete. The symphony begins with a stern, Russian, first movement progressing to a cheerful, lively second movement'. The third movement is a somber, reflective piece, while the concluding fourth is bright and jubilant with rapid harp passages.
Costing £9.99, the CD is available at most good music shops or via the internet. This is one of a number of “the World of . . .” Among the others in the series are composers (Mozart, Handel, Bach, Chopin), instruments (Organ, Harp, Piano) and musical genres (opera, operetta, Sacred music).
I value this as one of the best CDs in my collection and I would recommend it wholeheartedly. The CD allows the listener to enter The World of Borodin, by including his most some of his most famous works together with some lesser known, illustrating his wide ranging ability.
More details
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Outstanding
How does it rate alongside the competition
Outstanding
Cover / Inlay Design and Content
Good
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
This product has not yet been reviewed. 
