Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) Orchestral Program Music Scheherazade, Op. 35 (1888) Symphony No. 2 - Antar, Op. 9 (1868/75/97) Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra Kees Bakels, conductor Recorded November 2002 BIS 1377 [74:34] Program: Both works are cut from Arabian fantasy and contain brilliant orchestration. Musical Intent: Excellent performances of the two works require conveying to listeners a fantasy world steeped in exotic story-telling. In the case of Scheherazade, her goal is to postpone her execution by the Sultan by keeping him in an enthralled state with fascinating stories. In Symphony No. 2, Antar is a warrior/poet who has given up life with vile humans. In the desert, he saves a gazelle from a large bird of prey and is given the joys of vengence, power, and love in return. In this four-movement work, the 1st Movement sets the stage for the granting of promised joys, while the next three movements portray each of the three joys. Needless to say, the joys of vengence and power are super-charged affairs. Recorded Competition: Alternative recordings of Scheherazade are thick with many of them quite exceptional such as those from Beecham, Anserment, Gergiev, Reiner, Ormandy, etc. For the Antar Symphony, there are only a few alternatives with the Maazel and Svetlanov versions among the most praised. Interpretive Stand of Bakels: Unfortunately, Bakels and orchestra only skim the surface of both compositions. Never do they draw this reviewer into Rimsky-Korsakov's soundworld. Tension is usually deficient, and rapture is practically non-existent. Essentially, the fantasy atmosphere is missing, and this results in non-competitve renditions. These are professional run-throughs not worthy of a recorded legacy. Soundstage: Although modern sound in every respect, there is an homogonized element that does not allow for a crisp or vibrant projection from any of the orchestra's instruments. In effect, this type of sound only exacerbates the failings of the performances. Other Reviews: Most other reviews I have read take the position that Bakels does better with the Antar Symphony because of less recorded competition. I do not share this view; Bakels is just as superficial in the Antar Symphony as in Scheherazade. Don's Conclusions: Take a pass on this premium-priced disc. There are many alternative ways to go to acquire excellent accounts of the two programmed works. The Maazel and Svetlanov Antar Symphonies are available at mid-price, and alternatives for Scheherazade are ripe for the picking. I should point out that the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra has only been in existence for a few years and will hopefully find its stride before long. In the meantime, I suggest readers be wary of recordings from this source, particularly when the music recorded is already well represented on disc. Don Satz [log in to unmask]