Rimsky-Korsakov’s colourful Capriccio espagnol reflects a Russian fascination with distant lands, evoking sunny climes and exotic dancing in one of the composer’s most popular and uplifting scores.

Steeped in the cultural nationalism of the ‘Mighty Handful’, the Overtures are linked to deeply Russian themes and tales, portraying dramatic life amongst the Tsars with brilliant orchestration and inspired use of folk or liturgical melodies.

Gerard Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony’s acclaimed recording of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Sheherazade (8.572693) ‘takes things to a new level’ (MusicWeb International), and is now joined by his equally popular Capriccio espagnol. The quality of recording and performance are recommendation enough, but there are also few, if any, releases which bring together so many of Rimsky-Korsakov’s remarkably fine overtures in one place.