I try to make it a practice never to start in on the vodka before noon. But today I will make an exception. This week on WPRB, whether by flying carpet or magic slippers, we travel to the exotic realms of Russian folklore.
We’ll have music inspired by the myths, legends and folktales of Russia, including works evocative of Baba Yaga, Koschei the Deathless, the Firebird, Zolushka, Ivan the Fool, Ruslan and Ludmila, and the Invisible City of Kitezh. The folk heroes Sadko and Stepan Razin will also be represented. Along the way, we’ll also hear some of the great singers of Russian opera.
The crowning glory of the morning will be Reinhold Gliere’s epic symphony on the exploits of Ilya Muromets. We’ll hear the acclaimed recording by JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, who took the work to Carnegie Hall in 2013 and subsequently recorded it complete (over 70 minutes) for the Naxos label. The release was described by David Hurwitz of classicstoday.com as “the finest version yet recorded,” and by Peter J. Rabinowitz of “Fanfare” as “beyond excellent.” Listen for it to begin between 9:30 and 9:45.
I hope you’ll join me this morning from 6 to 11 ET, for five hours of Russian folk tales and fairy music at WPRB 103.3 FM or online at wprb.com. I start the day singing basso profundo this week on Classic Ross Amico.
