Borodin: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3, Prince Igor Overture by Ernest Ansermet by Ernest Ansermet (2024 Remastered, Geneva 1954)

Prince Igor and Symphony No. 2 are Borodin’s most popular works and are inspired by the medieval Russian epic. Borodin confided to Vladimir Stassov (renowned Russian art critic and journalist) that the first movement depicts a gathering of valiant knights, the Andante presenting the cantilena of the legendary bard Bayan accompanying himself on the “gusli” instrument (гусли) while the finale stages the triumphant feast of the knights. It is, however, the theme of the first movement that remains etched in memory and which certainly contributed to this title of “Epic” Symphony given by Stassov.

Igor Stravinsky is said to have remarked about Ernest Ansermet: “At last, a conductor who does not have his eyes in the score, but the score in his head.” This absolutely sumptuous recording reminds us how true this remark is. The epic and folkloric grandeur of Borodin’s work is palpable here at every moment. The orchestra is sumptuous, and its rustic grain recalls the great Russian orchestras. The remastering is of the highest order.