Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35 & Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien, Op. 45

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music with Paul Kletzki's captivating album, "Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, Op. 35 & Tchaikovsky: Capriccio Italien, Op. 45." This 1980 release, brought to you by Sunday Club Records, is a masterful blend of two iconic compositions that showcase the brilliance of Romantic-era music.

The album opens with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade, Op. 35," a symphonic suite that narrates the tales of the Arabian Nights. Kletzki's interpretation brings to life the vivid imagery and exotic allure of the East, from the tranquil seas and adventurous voyages of "The Sea and Sinbad's Ship" to the intricate stories of "The Tale of the Kalendar Prince" and the tender romance of "The Young Prince and the Young Princess." The suite culminates in the dramatic "The Festival of Baghdad - The Sea - The Ship Goes to Pieces on a Rock Surmounted by a Bronze Warrior," a thrilling conclusion that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

Following this, the album transitions into Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Capriccio Italien, Op. 45," a lively and spirited composition that captures the essence of Italian folk music. Kletzki's rendition is a delightful exploration of rhythm and melody, showcasing the virtuosity of the orchestra and the conductor's keen ear for detail.

With a total duration of 58 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the Romantic style, offering a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Paul Kletzki's interpretation of these timeless pieces is sure to captivate and inspire.

12 maart 2014

About Paul Kletzki

Paul Kletzki, born Paweł Klecki in Łódź, Poland, was a multifaceted musician whose life and career were marked by remarkable highs and profound challenges. A child prodigy on the violin, Kletzki began his musical journey at the age of nine and joined the Łódź Philharmonic at just fifteen. His path was significantly altered by the horrors of World War I and the subsequent rise of Nazism, which forced him to flee Germany and Italy. Despite these tumultuous events, Kletzki's career flourished, particularly in the post-war era, where he became renowned for his interpretations of Romantic orchestral music, including the works of Mahler, Tchaikovsky, and Berlioz.

Kletzki's own compositions, such as his poignant Third Symphony dedicated to the victims of Nazism, reflect his deep emotional response to the tragedies of his time. As a conductor, he led several orchestras with distinction, though none as a permanent music director. His legacy endures through his recordings, which continue to captivate audiences with their intensity and depth. Kletzki's life and work stand as a testament to resilience and artistic brilliance in the face of adversity.