This convenient program brings together Anton Arensky's three charming suites for orchestra, all of them vintage examples of Romantic Russian music. The spirit of the...

This convenient program brings together Anton Arensky's three charming suites for orchestra, all of them vintage examples of Romantic Russian music. The spirit of the dance invigorates these works, from the Spanish swagger of La Danseuse in Suite No. 2 to the Polonaise that concludes the Third Suite, an inventive theme and variations lasting half an hour. The "Basso ostinato" movement from the First Suite was quite popular in its day, and no wonder! It's very clever and remarkably well made. On the whole, the Moscow Symphony Orchestra under Dmitry Yablonsky gives a thoroughly professional account of itself and of these scores, though I would have preferred a more forward woodwind balance and a bit more character from that section's principals, especially as Arensky gives them a lot to do. Still, with no other serious competition in this music--and given vivid sonics--I can recommend this program with confidence as an important addition to any Russian music collection.

--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com