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Mercury Living Presence Boxed Set CD32 van55
Antal Dorati conducts the London Symphony Orchestra
- Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) Capriccio Espagnol, Op. 34, Suite from 'Le Coq d'Or', Russian Easter Overture, Op. 36
- Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) Polovtsian Dances from 'Prince Igor'

This recording was one of the glories of the Mercury Living Presence catalogue (which isn't saying much, because it was a catalogue that consisted of little but glories). Antal Dorati and the London Symphony Orchestra really dig into this colorful and tuneful music, giving performances of uninhibited brilliance and joy. No matter the piece, Rimsky-Korsakov just doesn't work unless everyone sounds like they're having a great time playing him. In fact, despite the music's descriptive purpose, it's really about an orchestral wizard playing with all of those really cool instruments, like a kid in a candy shop. Well, this record probably caused more than a few musical cavities. --David Hurwitz