- Caucasian Sketches
"Caucasian Sketches" are a pair of
orchestral suite s written in 1894 and 1896 by the Russiancomposer Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov . The "Caucasian Sketches" are the most often performed of his compositions and can be heard frequently on classicalradio station s. The final movement of the "Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1", entitled "Procession of the Sardar" ("Cortege du Sardar"; also popularly known as "March of the Sardar" or "Sardar's March"), is often heard by itself, and is a favorite of "Pops" concerts.The influences of the Caucasian Sketches
The orchestral songs of the "Caucasian Sketches" were influenced by the Georgian folk songs that Ippolitov-Ivanov heard during his years as director of the music conservatory and conductor of the orchestra in
Tbilisi , the principal city of Georgia and during his visits to the surroundingCaucasus Mountains .Ippolitov-Ivanov had studied at the
St. Petersburg Conservatory under the composerNikolai Rimsky-Korsakov , a master oforchestration , whose style of beats and chimes is reflected in the songs of the "Caucasian Sketches".Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1
"Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1", Op. 10 (1894) consists of four "songs" or parts. The suite begins with a vibrant song, "In a Mountain Pass", which is characterized by a steady ambitious beat suggesting the steep Caucasus Mountains and makes one feel like a bird flying over them. The second song, "In a Village", has a steady beat and becomes more vibrant near the end. The title of a third, "In a Mosque", reflects the abundance of
mosque s in the once Turkish Caucausus andCircassia n regions such asAdygea inRussia . The most famous and admired portion is the final piece, "Procession of the Sardar" (aSardar is roughly a name for some leaders in south west asia (including India) it is used in India to refer toSikhs ).Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 2
"Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 2", Op. 42 "Iveria" (1896) was written after the composer moved to
Moscow . The suite contains an introduction and four sketches. The first sketch is the tantalizing, oppressive "Lamentation of Princess Ketevana". It is followed by "Berceuse" (French forlullaby ). Then comes "Lesghinka", a manic song that becomes rambunctious near the end. And the final sketch is the "Georgian March", a very lively song which sounds like a military march and makes much use of thewoodwinds and chimes."Suite No. 2" is also called "Iveria" ("Iberia"), the name given by the Greeks and Romans to the ancient kingdom of
Kartli , corresponding roughly to the eastern and southern parts of the country of Georgia today.External links
* [http://www.hafabramusic.com/mp3/procession.mp3 Sample of Procession of the Sardar]
* Liner notes to the [http://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.553405# Caucasian Sketches (Suites Nos. 1 and 2)] and other orchestral works by Ippolitov-Ivanov, performed by National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, conducted by Arthur Fagen (Naxos 8.553405)
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