Rimsky-Korsakov. Antar Symphonic Suite. Scherchen & the London Symphony Orchestra (1956), mono.

This is the remainder of the record that I posted yesterday. The Antar Symphonic Suite was derived from a much earlier work by Rimsky-Korsakov, namely his Symphony No.2. The original written in 1868 underwent several revisions, and ultimately this version (from 1903) has become the most played. Rimsky-Korsakov felt that the work did not really follow the form of a symphony and as it was based on a story, he described it as akin to a tone or symphonic suite. One can hear some echoes of Scheherazade in this work. It has an unusual structure with the climactic movement being the third, with the fourth being a quieter, slower, and more pensive conclusion that fades out. This is apparently reflective of the story the music was based on. Movements: 00:00 First movement 13:39 Second movement 19:06 Third movement 24:07 Fourth movement Details: Album title: Rimsky-Korsakov: The Great Easter and Antar Symphonic Suite. Released by: Westminster Records XWN 18282 Year released: 1956 Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra Conductor: Hermann Scherchen