Nero (Ballet Music from the Opera, 1874). Conducted by Michael Halasz with the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra.
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| English: Portrait of the Composer Anton Rubinstein. Oil on canvas. 110 × 85 cm. The State Russian Museum, St. Petersburg. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
I. Chorus and Ballet - 00:00
II. Ballet Divertissement - 7:05
III. Festival March - 24:37
IV. March of the Roman Legions - 30:24
A Grand Opera in Four Acts with libretto by J. Barber, Nero was first performed in Hamburg in 1875. Set in ancient Rome, it tells the story of Vindex, a descendent of the Kings of Aquitania, who loves Kreeza. Nero also desires her and declares his intention to marry her. His mother opposes the union, however. Frustrated, the Emperor has Rome set on fire and accuses the Christians of the deed. In the resultant hysteria Kreeza, a Christian, is killed, and Vindex organizes an army to avenge her death. Nero flees Rome, but realizing that he cannot escape retribution, asks the poet Sakus to kill him.
Anton Rubinstein - The Demon (Ballet Music from the Opera) (1871)
Conducted by Michael Halasz with the The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra.
I. Ballet Music - 00:00
II. Lesginka (Caucasian Dance) - 9:20
"Liszt played the piano like an eagle, Rubinstein like a lion," Paderewski noted in his memoirs, and Alexander Glazunov's daughter told this writer that after attending one of Rubinstein's recitals, Glazunov "could not touch the piano for three days."
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| Portrait bust of Anton Rubinstein on his grave in Tikhvin Cemetery, Saint Petersburg (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
sar, and in 1883 he was awarded the Cross of St. Vladimir for his contribution to musical education in Russia. He also gained a new student named Alexander Glazunov, whose talent at the piano greatly impressed him.
The Demon is a fantastic opera in Three Acts, with libretto by Pavel Viskovatov, based on the 1841 poem by Lermontov. Completed in 1871, the work was given its première on 25th January, 1875 at the Imperial Theatre, St. Petersburg, and was so successful that Rubinstein achieved the stature of a national composer. This work became so popular that during the next nine years it was presented more than a hundred times in that house alone. On 21st June, 1881, it became the first Russian opera to be performed in England.
Accompanied by evil spirits, the Demon soars through a storm, alighting on the peak of Kazbec to contemplate the world below. Bitterly unhappy and regretting his misspent youth, he yearns for a woman's love when he notices Tamara, dancing with friends, on the eve of her marriage. Desiring her, the Demon has Prince Sinodal, her betrothed, murdered by Tartars. During the Second Act, guests and family are awaiting the appearance of bride and bridegroom when the ballet music is performed. The dancing is interrupted by news of Sinodal's death. Tamara shuts herself in a convent, but the Demon continues to pursue her. Sinodal, transformed into an angel, appears, with celestial voices summoning Tamara to Paradise. The Demon grows more ardent. Freeing herself from his embrace, Tamara dies, securing redemption. His last hope destroyed, the Demon becomes overwhelmed by rage and despair. Renewing his curses against man and God, he vanishes amidst the lightning and thunder of a growing storm.
Anton Rubinstein - Feramors (Ballet Music from the opera) (1862)
Conducted by Michael Halasz with the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra.
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| Anton Rubinstein (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
II. Torchlight Dance of the Brides of Kashmir - 4:00
III. Dance of the Bayaderes No. 2 - 9:47
IV. Bridal Procession - 14:30
Feramors is an opera in two acts by Anton Rubinstein. Written by Julius Rodenberg, the libretto is based on Lalla Rookh by Thomas Moore and was completed in 1862. The première was at the Hoftheater, Dresden, on 24th February, 1863. A work of oriental atmosphere, it tells the tale of Lalla Rookh, Princess of Hindustan, who is betrothed to the King of Bokhara. Travelling to his kingdom for the royal marriage, she falls in love with Feramors, a young Kashmiri singer. Heartbroken at having to leave him, her grief melts into joy when he is revealed as the King himself. The ballets in Feramors include the 'Dance of the Bayadèves' in Act I and the Lamplight Dance of the Bride of Kashmir in Act II, as well as a final Wedding Dance.
