Immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of classical music with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's "Magnificent Classical Spring Edition," set to release on April 26, 2025, under the UME - Global Clearing House label. This captivating album spans a little over an hour and twenty minutes, offering a rich tapestry of orchestral works that showcase the ensemble's virtuosity and the timeless appeal of classical compositions.
The album opens with a lively selection of pieces popularized in the musical "Kismet," including excerpts from Borodin's Symphony No. 2 and Rimsky-Korsakov's String Quartet No. 2, expertly arranged by Erich Kunzel. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra then takes you on a journey through Bizet's iconic "Carmen" with two comprehensive suites, featuring beloved pieces like the "Aragonaise," "Habañera," and "The Toreadors."
The second half of the album delves into the rich musical heritage of Spain with Albeniz's "Iberia" and Ravel's "Boléro," culminating in Rimsky-Korsakov's "Capriccio espagnol." Each piece is performed with the precision and passion that the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is renowned for, making this album a delightful addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of the orchestra or new to their work, "Magnificent Classical Spring Edition" promises an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Music As Popularized in "Kismet": Pt. 1, Symphony No. 2 - In the Steppes of Central Asia - String Quartet No. 2 - Symphony No. 1 (Excerpts) [Arr. E. Kunzel]Alexander Borodin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Music As Popularized in "Kismet": Pt. 2, String Quartet No. 2 - Overture to "Prince Igor" - Petite Suite - Polovtsian Dances from "Prince Igor" (Excerpts) [Arr. E. Kunzel]Alexander Borodin, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 1: I. Prélude to Act IGeorges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 1: II. Aragonaise (Entr'acte to Act IV)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 1: III. Intermezzo (Entr'acte to Act III)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 1: IV. Seguidilla (Act I)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 1: V. The Dragons of Alcala (Entr'acte to Act II)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 1: VI. The Toreadors (Prelude to Act I)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 2: I. March of the Smugglers (Act III)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 2: II. Habañera (Act I)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 2: IV. Song of the Toreador (Act II)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 2: V. The Changing of the Guard (Children's Chorus from Act I)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Carmen Suite No. 2: VI. Danse bohème (Act II)Georges Bizet, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Iberia, T. 105, Book 1: III. Fête-dieu à Seville (Orch. E.F. Arbós)Isaac Albéniz, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel
Boléro, M. 81Maurice Ravel, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Erich Kunzel