Nikolai Rimski-Korsakow, Anton Arensky

Piano Concerto / Fantasia on Russian Folksongs (2 CD set)

Accompaniment: Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra - A good choice for students due to its thoughtfully-written solo part and its short length, Rimsky-Korsakov's piano concerto is a Lisztian set of variations on a Russian folk theme, masterfully orchestrated and full of rich pianism in the best Russian Late Romantic tradition. Its companion in this release is Russian master Anton Arensky's exciting Fantasia on Russian Folksongs, sounding for all the world like a latter-day movie score, with bravura piano solo integrated. Affords the soloist an opportunity to play an exhilarating piece with a thrilling Russian feel, and at the same time of a manageable length. This little-known piece is highly recommended. This deluxe 2CD set includes a slow-tempo practice version to help you get up to speed.