Alexander
Borodin (1833-1887)
Borodin was a Russian
composer as well as a distinguished analytical chemist. He left behind some outstanding
works.
A master at crafting a
melody, his tunes were used in the Broadway production of Kismet. A theme from
the Scherzo of String Quartet No. 2 |
|
| became
Baubles, Bangles and Beads and a theme from the Polovtisian Dances became
Stranger in Paradise when words were added. Both of these songs charted in 1953
and have become standards. There was an affinity between classical and pop music that
existed in the late 1940s and early 1950s and any number of classical tunes were adapted
to become popular songs. These later became standards. Web Sites
Borodin Web Site
Selected
Compositions on CD
Polovtsian Dances
There are two versions of this great orchestral work: one with chorus, as originally
composed, and another for orchestra alone. The choral version is the one to try to find;
however this can be difficult. We recommend:
1812 - Polovtsian Dances - Islamey: Symphonie-Orchester und Chor des Bayerischen
Rundfunks. Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor. Recorded in München, 7/1984. Philips 412 552-2
String Quartets
Nos. 1 and 2
Symphonies No. 1, 2 and 3
Scores
String
Quartets
Polovtsian
Dances |
