Rimsky-Korsakov: Sheherazade, Reiner (CD)

“. . . a stupefying performance! It is played here for everything it was supposed to be: high drama, with all the stops out. The only thing sorely missing is the thunderous applause and ‘bravos’ that a performance like this would bring from any audience.” — Stereophile

Fritz Reiner’s legendary pairing of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade and Stravinsky’s Song of the Nightingale, available again on this newly issued album by Sony Music Entertainment. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass is on full display in the Stravinsky, providing the leading edge of the drama and harmony in the eastern-inspired score. The virtuosity of the entire ensemble is showcased in Sheherazade, with effervescent lines for nearly all principal chairs.

Rimsky-Korsakov Sheherazade, Op. 35
Sidney Harth violin
1960, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Stravinsky Le chant du rossignol (Song of the Nightingale), Symphonic Poem
1956, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Discs: 1
Record Label: RCA
Release Date: April 8, 2011