Although the string quartet was a rarely used form in 19th-century Russia, Tchaikovsky and Borodin both produced superb, inventive compositions in the genre. Tchaikovsky's String Quartet No. 1 in D, Op. 11, is notable for its imaginative freshness and world-famous Andante cantabile movement. His Quartet No. 2 in F, Op. 22, displays remarkable fluency and skilled craftsmanship, while Quartet No. 3 in F-flat Minor, Op. 30, combines austerity with deeply felt intensity and vigor. Borodin's two string quartets are characterized by his impeccable craftsmanship and expert understanding and use of his instruments. The popular String Quartet No. 2 is especially known for the luxuriant richness of its third movement "Nocturne." Now all five works are available in this handsome, inexpensive edition. Reprinted from authoritative scores.

Complete String Quartets (Dover Chamber Music Scores)

Arts & Photography

Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyitch

Borodin, Alexander

Music

Dover Publications

It was said of Russian composer Alexander Borodin (1833–87) that "no musician has ever claimed immortality with so slender an offering." His lifelong work as a graduate research chemist and teacher preoccupied him, leaving little time for the music composing that he loved. But while the quantity of Borodin's compositions was small, the quality of his music was extraordinarily high. Such works as his opera Prince Igor, his first two symphonies, two string quartets, and songs place him firmly in the front rank of nineteenth-century Russian composers. This volume brings together Borodin's two most popular works: the melodious, vivacious "Polovtsian Dances" from Prince Igor and the richly evocative tone poem "In the Steppes of Central Asia." The enormous success of these works is evidenced by their frequent performance in concerts worldwide and their many recordings. This attractive, durable, authoritative edition brings the full score of each composition to students, musicians, conductors, and music lovers everywhere.

"Polovtsian Dances" and "In the Steppes of Central Asia" in Full Score (Dover Orchestral Music Scores)

The Polovtsian Dances from Borodin's Prince Igor consist of two numbers from the opera's second act (8 and 17). The first dance is the 'Dance of Polovtsian Maidens' while the remaining of the dances come from the second act finale. Borodin worked sporadically for almost 18 years on Prince Igor but it was left in an incomplete chaotic state upon his death in 1887. The dances here were orchestrated by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov for an 1879 concert performance and subsequently revised by him after the opera's publication in 1888. This newly engraved edition by Richard W. Sargeant, Jr. has been meticulously researched from authoritative sources so that Borodin's masterful dances are available for the enjoyment of professionals and amateurs alike. <ul>
<li>IMSLP page</li> <li>Wikipedia article</li> </ul>

Polovtsian Dances: Study score

Serenissima Music

Dedicated to the father of the to symphonic poem Franz Liszt, Borodin's In the Steppes of Central Asia is a musical depiction of a caravan traveling through the steppe lands of the Caucasus under the protection of Russian troops. The premiere took place in St. Petersburg on April 20, 1880 with the Orchestra of the Russian opera under the baton of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. The work begins quietly and gradually leads to the climax with the two major themes, Russian and Asia being played simultaneously. The work ends with fragments of the themes fading away in the distance as the caravan disappears. This newly engraved edition prepared by Richard W. Sargeant, Jr. showcases this brilliant work for the enjoyment of professionals and amateurs alike. <ul> <li>IMSLP page</li> <li>Wikipedia article</li> </ul>

In the Steppes of Central Asia: Study score

Polovstian Dances: Study score