Track Listing

1. Mephisto Waltz, for orchestra No. 1 (Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke; Episoden No. 2), S. 110/2 (LW G16/2)
2. Mephisto Waltz, for orchestra No. 1 (Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke; Episoden No. 2), S. 110/2 (LW G16/2): First Ending
3. Mephisto Waltz, for orchestra No. 1 (Der Tanz in der Dorfschenke; Episoden No. 2), S. 110/2 (LW G16/2): Second Ending
4. Night on Bald Mountain (Noch' na L�soy gore), symphonic poem, edited by Rimsky-Korsakov
5. Baba-Yaga, for orchestra, Op. 56
6. Le Chasseur maudit (The Accursed Huntsman), symphonic poem (also arr. for piano, 4 hands), M. 44: Accursed Huntsman
7. The Sorcerer's Apprentice (L'apprenti sorcier), symphonic scherzo for orchestra
8. Danse macabre, symphonic poem in G minor, Op. 40
9. Tam O'Shanter Overture, for orchestra, Op. 51
10. Lucifer-Polka, for orchestra, Op. 266 (RV 266)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #237763 in Music
• Released on: 1998-03-24
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Customer Reviews

A very exciting compilation!
I agree with the previous reviewer that the last piece on this disc is somewhat lacking in character. Thankfully the rest of it is exciting as can be! I especially liked the Tam O' Shanter and the Baba Yaga. The Accursed Huntsman and Sorcerer were great too. Playing is wonderful throughout. This orchestra has one of the best string sections around in my opinion-they have a galvanized quality to their sound that really kicks! Their brass is equally impressive-powerful, but immeasureably musical and without the tasteless bite of many other orchestras. Oh yeah, their woodwinds have an amazing amount of color to their sound. Throw all that together with Oue's remarkable enthusiasm and some great symphonic works and you have one hell of a disc. Of course, Reference Recordings unmatched sound quality and Orchestra Hall's wonderfully live acoustics only add to the experience.

Brilliant and touching
The major problem with wellknown pieces of music is the immediate reference you have with other interpretations, especially on record. You hear the music in your head before you hear it with your ears. And when the interpretators lack affinity with the composer's intentions there you have it: annoyance. But none of this with Mr. Oue's Minnesota Orchestra; his often somewhat showy interpretations of wellknown pieces can be forgotten when you listen closely. The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Stokovky in Walt Disney's Fantasia can't keep up with this one. Liszt's Mephisto Waltz with the two endings, of which I appreciate the second the most, Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, they are all put in a different light. Most appealing is Malcolm Arnold's Tam O'Shanter, watch out for the rolling thunder of the drums!

The only thing I regret is the presence of Lucifer Polka by Johann Strauss II, except for the name it has nothing in common with the other pieces of music. A disappointing ending to a good record.