Search - Rimsky-Korsakov, Lazarew, Matorin :: Rimsky-Korsakov: Mainacht (May Night)

Russia's Folk Opera

Matt Barger | Little Rock, AR | 08/17/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found this recording of Rimsky-Korsakov's opera, May Night, to be a fine example of his unique orchestral sound and ability to manipulate Russian folk elements. These performers provide a solid and silky interpretation of this opera, allowing its truly Russian demeanor to prevail. The villager's exuberant song beginnig the first act provides a clean introductoin into the opera's characture and musical elements. Throughout the piece, an air of honesty and directness not often felt in Rimsky-Korsakov's works is evidnet in the vocal lines, folklike in origin. His melodies flow beautifully from an excellent lead tenor, who has a depth and vocal quality that permeate the opera's central action. Anyone familular with Rimsky-Korsakov's usual instrumentation and treatment of harmony will find nothing new here, but are treated with fine examples of his charactristic style. Particularly notable is the orchestral introduction to the third act. Here, one should observe the true imagery and impact that the Mighty Handful sought to achieve in thier orchestral writing which Rimsky-Korsakov perfected. Russia's rural scene is vividly depicted through lush music, folk lore, and a few stock charactures. These elements, calling on traditional Russian opera techniques and then hightened by such a skillfull composer, fullfill anyone's hunger for musical satisfaction."