Polotsvian Dances    

Alexander Borodin (1833 - 1887)

  1. Introduzione

  2. Allegro Vivo

  3. Allegro

  4. Presto - Moderato Alla Breve -  Presto - Allegro Con Spirito

These brilliantly evocative dances, written in 1875, are found in Act 2 of Borodin's opera "Prince Igor".  The opera recounts the story of Igor's army as he leads the Christian Russians in battle against the invading Tartars.  The dances take place in the camp of Khan Khontchak where the captives, Prince Igor and his son, are being entertained by the slaves.

 

The music ranges from the sensuous to the barbaric, and feature brilliant scalic passages and compelling rhythms.

 

We were introduced to this work when we were fourteen by the brilliant conductor Adrian Leaper, and it has been a favourite of ours ever since.  Our arrangement for two pianos was completed in September 2000.

© Apollo Recordings 2001

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