Concert Cameos: Vol. 1

Spectacular themes have endangered some of the most outstanding operas, ballets, suites and other classical numbers that constantly delight listeners throughout the world. For 'Concert Cameos, Vol. 1,' an outstanding collection of excerpts from masterful works has been selected by Rosario Bourdon to be artistically interpreted by the Philharmonia Orchestra. Represented on the musical scene, are Meyerbeer's dramatic opera 'Le Prophete,' with a glittering array of strings, brass fanfares and the roll of drums that bring the regal Coronation March to an ermine-clad climax. On the vivacious side, Charles Gounod's 'Romeo and Juliet' is introduced by the enchanting measures of Waltz Song. Here is the festive atmosphere of the ballroom and the beauty of young Juliet as she joyously sings... “I want to live in this dream...” superbly personified by the lilting violins. Then, the silken world of the mystic East comes pulsating through Rimsky-Korsakoff's Bridal Procession, from 'The Golden Cockerel.' As the Queen's entourage makes its grand entrance, gnomes caper side by side with towering giants, and horned creatures hobble along flanked by one-eyed Cyclops in the colourfully-spun melodic tapestry. To vary the exotic display, Maestro Bourdon has added a few pastel-tinted selections from the prolific pens of Victor Herbert and Rudolf Friml, among others, and for a modern touch there's the tambourine-sparked Tarantelle, by L. Leslie Loth. 'Concert Cameos, Vol. 1,' is fashioned with expert finesse by Rosario Bourdon and enhanced by the skilled performance of the Philharmonia Orchestra to create pleasurable and repeated listening.