Oriental Tales

The master and his pupil: the newest CD release by the Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen (conductor: Norichika Iimori) captures the orchestra in brilliant form in performances of two evocative masterpieces by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and Ottorino Respighi. A generation younger than Rimsky-Korsakov, Respighi was able to shake off his reputation as a "one-hit wonder" with the publication of this work. The evocative incantation of Belkis, Queen of Sheba, pushes all thoughts of his Roman trilogy aside. A direct comparison with the most enchanting symphonic poems of his teacher — in this case with the richly colorful "Scheherazade" — demonstrate the excellence of Respighi’s craft. The combination of these works on one recording makes it a perfect way to escape into a land of cedars and palms...