Borodin: Orchestral Works – Andrew Davis / Toronto Symphony Orchestra (2CD Set)

• UPC: 8718247710973
• MPN: 8802097
• Brand Name: Newton Classics

Overview

This Newton Classics 2CD set offers the finest in Alexander Borodin’s orchestral music, performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under Sir Andrew Davis. The collection includes the composer’s three symphonies, the atmospheric In the Steppes of Central Asia, and the vibrant Overture and Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor, alongside the lyrical Notturno from the String Quartet No.2 played by the St. Petersburg Camerata.

Spanning recordings from Toronto, St. Petersburg, and New York, this anthology reflects Borodin’s dual mastery of structure and melody—where Russian grandeur meets Romantic warmth. The performances, originally released on Sony Classical, are praised for their balance of vivid orchestral color and emotional sweep, captured here in Newton Classics’ remastered edition.

Product Features

• Format: 2CD Set
• Sound: ADD / DDD Stereo
• Total Duration: 134′51

• Recording Dates & Locations:

  Producers: Andrew Kazdin, Dmitri Lipai, Richard Killough
  • June 1993 – Massey Hall, Toronto, Canada
  • November (year unspecified) – Toronto, Canada
  • June 1993 – Radio House, St. Petersburg, Russia (String Quartet No.2 – Notturno)
  • December 1969 – Philharmonic Hall, Lincoln Center, New York, USA (In the Steppes of Central Asia)
• Original Labels: Sony Music Entertainment (1977 / 1994)
• Reissue Label: Newton Classics B.V. (2012)
• Country of Manufacture: Netherlands
• Genre: Classical
• Style: Russian Romantic / Orchestral

Performers:

• Toronto Symphony Orchestra – Sir Andrew Davis, conductor
• St. Petersburg Camerata
• New York Philharmonic – Leonard Bernstein, conductor

Interesting Facts

• A Composer-Scientist: Alexander Borodin, one of the famed “Mighty Handful,” was also a respected chemist—balancing scientific rigor with the lush Romanticism of his music.

• The Russian Symphonist: His three symphonies display the evolution of Russian symphonic writing, from the folk-inspired spontaneity of the First to the heroic sweep of the Second and the unfinished lyricism of the Third.

• Prince Igor’s Exotic Colors: The Overture and Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor remain Borodin’s most beloved works, filled with rhythmic vitality and unforgettable melodies later adapted in Kismet (“Stranger in Paradise”).

• Global Collaboration: This edition unites recordings from Canada, Russia, and the U.S.—a testament to Borodin’s international appeal and the versatility of his music.

• Andrew Davis’s Refined Interpretation: Sir Andrew Davis brings British poise and orchestral brilliance to Borodin’s passionate writing, crafting performances that are both fiery and polished.

Track Listing

CD 1 (77′34)

• Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major I. Adagio – Allegro – Andantino – 13′24 II. Scherzo: Prestissimo – Trio: Allegro – Prestissimo – 6′52 III. Andante – 6′57 IV. Allegro molto vivo – 7′39

• Symphony No. 2 in B minor I. Allegro – Animato assai – 7′01 II. Scherzo: Prestissimo – Allegretto – Tempo I – 4′51 III. Andante – 8′07 IV. Finale: Allegro – 6′20

  Toronto Symphony Orchestra / Sir Andrew Davis

CD 2 (57′17)

• Symphony No. 3 in A minor I. Moderato assai – 8′00 II. Scherzo: Vivo – Trio: Moderato – Tempo I – 9′43

  Toronto Symphony Orchestra / Sir Andrew Davis

• String Quartet No. 2 in D major – III. Notturno: Andante – 8′41

  St. Petersburg Camerata

• In the Steppes of Central Asia – 7′23

  New York Philharmonic / Leonard Bernstein

• Prince Igor

  • Overture – 10′32
  • Polovtsian Dances – 12′58

  Toronto Symphony Orchestra / Sir Andrew Davis

Publishers

Sony Music Entertainment / Sony Classical – Original Recordings © 1976–1994 Newton Classics B.V. – Reissue © 2012 Art Direction & Design: Jan Martin Wilschut (BND Amsterdam / Hotsprings) Cover Image: Jim Four / Lebrecht / HH LC 24605 Manufactured and printed in the Netherlands

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