Alexander Vedernikov - Russian Ballet Suites (2024) [DSD]

Russian ballet music, recorded in Russia, performed by the Russian National Orchestra under Russian conductor Alexander Vedernikov – add to this the theatrical atmosphere conveyed by surround sound on the first Super Audio CD recording of these works, and an exceptional listening experience is guaranteed. The three Russian composers represented on this SACD were all born within just 15 years of one other, yet each had his own very distinct style. In their lifetime, they all enjoyed great popularity within their country, yet they also suffered from the strict censureship of the Soviet regime. Despite the fact that all three received the Stalin prize for various works, the Central Committee under Zhdanov (Stalin’s right-hand man) took them to task in 1948 for “failing in their duty to the Soviet people” by showing “formalistic deviations and anti-democratic tendencies” in their musical works. Forced to live under a totalitarian system, they had to exercise constant self-criticism in order to protect themsel ves. Nevertheless, despite all restrictions, they still managed to create masterpieces while apparently towing the official line.

Tracks:

01. Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Folk Dance — 4:34
02. Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Tableau — 1:37
03. Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Madrigal — 3:44
04. Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Minuet — 3:04
05. Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Masks — 2:03
06. Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Romeo and Juliet — 7:25
07. Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Death of Tybalt — 4:46
08. Suite from Spartacus, Scene of Crassus and Aegina — 3:25
09. Suite from Spartacus, The Dance of the Pirates — 1:18
10. Suite from Spartacus, Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia — 9:15
11. Suite from Spartacus, Variation of Aegina and Bacchanalia — 3:29
12. Suite from The Bolt, Introduction — 5:35
13. Suite from The Bolt, Polka — 2:42
14. Suite from The Bolt, Variation — 2:27
15. Suite from The Bolt, Tango — 4:51
16. Suite from The Bolt, Intermezzo — 3:58
17. Suite from The Bolt, Finale — 2:17

Personnel:

Russian National Orchestra
Alexander Vedernikov, Conductor