Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Russian classical music with Valery Gergiev's "Das Beste Der Russischen Klassik." This exquisite compilation, released on January 1, 2013, under the Decca (UMO) label, showcases Gergiev's mastery as a conductor and his deep connection with the Mariinsky Orchestra. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 14 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through iconic compositions from some of Russia's most celebrated composers.
The tracklist is a who's who of classical masterpieces, including Tchaikovsky's enchanting "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker," Prokofiev's dramatic "Romeo and Juliet," and Rachmaninov's virtuosic "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini." Each piece is performed with precision and passion, highlighting Gergiev's ability to bring out the emotional depth and technical brilliance of these works. The album also features lesser-known gems like the "Scythian Suite" and "In the Steppes of Central Asia," offering a broader perspective on the breadth of Russian classical music.
Valery Gergiev, known for his dynamic and expressive conducting style, has been a prominent figure in the classical music world for decades. His collaborations with the Mariinsky Orchestra have earned critical acclaim and a devoted following. This album is a testament to his artistic vision and the orchestra's exceptional talent.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Das Beste Der Russischen Klassik" is a compelling introduction to the timeless beauty of Russian classical music. The album's diverse repertoire and Gergiev's insightful interpretations make it a valuable addition to any music collection.
Prince Igor / Act 2: Polovtsian DancesAlexander Borodin, Mariinsky Chorus, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Night on Bald MountainModest Mussorgsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Valery Gergiev
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43: Variation No. 18 - LiveSergei Rachmaninoff, Lang Lang, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Swan Lake, Op. 20 (Mariinsky Version), Act I: No. 13, Dances des cygnes: d. Danses des petits cygnes. Allegro moderatoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Ruslan and Lyudmila / Act 1: OvertureMikhail Glinka, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Scheherazade, Op. 35: III. The Young Prince and the Young Princess. Andantino quasi allegrettoNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Sergei Levitin, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Le Sacre du Printemps / Pt. 1: "L'adoration de la terre": IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act II: No. 14, Pas de deux: Var. 2. Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 2 in E Minor, Op. 27: II. Allegro moltoSergei Rachmaninoff, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
The Firebird, K10: XVI. Infernal Dance of Kashchei's SubjectsIgor Stravinsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 5 in D Major, Op. 47: I. ModeratoDmitri Shostakovich, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Le Sacre du Printemps / Pt. 2: "Le Sacrifice": Sacrificial Dance (The Chosen One)Igor Stravinsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 5 In E Minor, Op. 64, TH.29: 4. Finale (Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace) - Live At Salzburg / 1998Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Valery Gergiev
In the Steppes of Central AsiaAlexander Borodin, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act II: No. 12, Divertissement: d. Trepak (Russian Dance)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Pictures at an Exhibition (Orch. Ravel): X. The Great Gates of Kyiv - Live at Musikverein, Vienna, 2000Modest Mussorgsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, Valery Gergiev