Title: Russian Roulette
Product review: This collection of Russian pieces by various composers has a tendency to feel like a bit of a mixed bag. There are some heavy-hitters on board like the Russian Easter Overture and Francesca da Rimini. And, then there are some light-weight pieces like the Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla and the Caucasian Sketches. Other than that, this is an extremely enjoyable disc. Zinman's Russian Easter Overture is OUTSTANDING! It is probably the highlight of the disc. But, Francesca da Rimini rivals it for its display of dark, brooding passions. My only complaint with this disc are the two bookend selections. The opening Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla is torrid but slightly vapid and devoid of depth. The closing Polonaise from Eugene Onegin is bold and stately but missing an element of sweeping elegance. Sound is terrific. A good Russian Grab-bag.
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