Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical music with "The Essential Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra," a stunning compilation by the esteemed Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra. Released on July 19, 2025, under the Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a diverse range of genres within the classical realm, including orchestral and operatic masterpieces.
With a duration of 2 hours and 23 minutes, this collection features 38 tracks, showcasing the orchestra's versatility and prowess. From Aaron Copland's iconic "Fanfare for the Common Man" to Giacomo Puccini's enchanting "O mio babbino caro," and from the lively "Flight of the Bumble Bee" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov to the serene "Clair de lune" by Claude Debussy, the album offers a comprehensive journey through some of the most beloved and timeless pieces in classical music.
The Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, established in 1929, brings over nine decades of musical excellence to this album. Their extensive recording history, boasting over 8,000 recordings for various labels, underscores their reputation as a leading ensemble in the classical music world. Under the guidance of esteemed conductors and featuring renowned soloists, the orchestra delivers a performance that is both technically impeccable and deeply expressive.
This album is a testament to the orchestra's ability to capture the essence of each composition, whether it's the dramatic intensity of Giuseppe Verdi's "Va, pensiero" or the delicate beauty of Léo Delibes' "Pavane." The inclusion of both well-known classics and lesser-known gems ensures that there is something for every classical music enthusiast to enjoy.
"The Essential Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra" is not just a collection of tracks; it's a celebration of the orchestra's rich history and their enduring contribution to the world of classical music. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a captivating and enriching listening experience.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
Fanfare for the Common ManAaron Copland, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Gunzenhauser
No. 1, O Fortuna (Featured in "Excalibur")Carl Orff, Slovak Philharmonic Chorus, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Gunzenhauser
Flight of the Bumble Bee (Featured in "Casino")Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Anthony Bramall
PizzicatoLéo Delibes, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
O mio babbino caroGiacomo Puccini, Luba Orgonasova, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Will Humburg
Sicilienne, Op. 78 (Arr. for Orchestra)Gabriel Fauré, Český Symfonický orchestr Českého rozhlasu, Ondrej Lenard
IceAlexander Glazunov, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
Salut d'amour, Op. 12 (Version for Orchestra)Edward Elgar, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
Pas seul - Pas de deuxAdolphe Adam, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Mogrelia
PreludioOttorino Respighi, Jakub Francisci, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adriano
The Westminster WaltzRobert Farnon, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
Libiamo ne' lieti caliciGiuseppe Verdi, Monika Krause, Giorgio Lamberti, Slovak Philharmonic Chorus, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ali Rahbari
XIII. The SwanCamille Saint-Saëns, Marian Lapsansky, Peter Toperczer, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
IntermezzoPietro Mascagni, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
The Stars and Stripes ForeverJohn Philip Sousa, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Keith Brion
Sailing ByRonald Binge, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ernest Tomlinson
Il TalismanoAntonio Salieri, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Michael Dittrich
II. Ode to the Yellow River (Original Version)Li Hong Sheng, Zhuang Liu, Fei-sheng Xu, Wanghua Chu, Shucheng Shi, Chengzong Yin, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
Little SerenadeErnest Tomlinson, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra
PavaneLéo Delibes, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
II. Variazioni. LarghettoAlexander Moyzes, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ladislav Slovák
L'amour est un oiseau rebelleGeorges Bizet, Graciela Alperyn, Slovak Philharmonic Chorus, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ali Rahbari
No. 1a Rainbow Land (Version for orchestra)Roger Quilter, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
Gymnopedie No. 2Erik Satie, CSR Symphony Orchestra, Bratislava, Ondrej Lenard
Humming ChorusGiacomo Puccini, Slovak Philharmonic Chorus, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ali Rahbari
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": III. Scherzo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Michael Halasz
ValsePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
March (From "The Dam Busters")Eric Coates, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
III. Clair de luneClaude Debussy, CSR Symphony Orchestra, Bratislava, Keith Clark
II. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ladislav Slovák
I. Lent et solennelErnest Bloch, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Dalia Atlas
Va, pensiero "Chorus of Hebrew Slaves"Giuseppe Verdi, Slovak Philharmonic Chorus, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Oliver von Dohnanyi
I. AllegroAlexander Borodin, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Gunzenhauser
Ride of the ValkyriesRichard Wagner, CSR Symphony Orchestra, Bratislava, Uwe Mund
In a Persian MarketAlbert Ketèlbey, Slovak Philharmonic Chorus, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Leaper
II. Un bal: Allegro non troppoHector Berlioz, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Pinchas Steinberg
Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenard
Danse macabreCamille Saint-Saëns, Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Keith Clark