From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Caucasian Sketches
Caucasian Sketches
Caucasian Sketches (Russian: Кавказские эскизы) is a pair becomes more vibrant near the end. The title of a third,
of orchestral suites written in 1894 and 1896 by the Russ- In a Mosque, reflects the abundance of mosques in the
ian composer Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov. The Caucasian once Turkish Caucausus and Circassian regions such as
Sketches is the most often performed of his compositions Adygea in Russia, and one can here the Muezzin’s call to
and can be heard frequently on classical radio stations. prayer in the music. The most famous and admired por-
The final movement of the Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1, tion is the final piece, Procession of the Sardar, a Persian ti-
entitled Procession of the Sardar (French: Cortège du Sardar; tle for a military commander, leader or dignitary.
also popularly known as March of the Sardar or Sardar’s
March), is often heard by itself, and is a favorite of "Pops"
concerts.
Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 2
Main article: Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 2
Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 2, Op. 42 Iveria (1896) was writ-
Influences of the Caucasian ten after the composer moved to Moscow. The suite con-
Sketches tains an introduction and four sketches. The first sketch
is the tantalizing, oppressive Lamentation of Princess Kete-
The orchestral songs of the Caucasian Sketches were influ- vana. It is followed by Berceuse (French for lullaby). Then
enced by the Georgian folk songs that Ippolitov-Ivanov comes Lesghinka, a manic song that becomes rambunc-
heard during his years as director of the music conserva- tious near the end. And the final sketch is the Georgian
tory and conductor of the orchestra in Tbilisi, the princi- March, a very lively song which sounds like a military
pal city of Georgia and during his visits to the surround- march and makes much use of the woodwinds and
ing Caucasus Mountains. chimes.
Ippolitov-Ivanov had studied at the St. Petersburg Suite No. 2 is also called Iveria (Iberia), the name given
Conservatory under the composer Nikolai Rimsky-Kor- by the Greeks and Romans to the ancient kingdom of
sakov, a master of orchestration, whose style of beats and Kartli, corresponding roughly to the eastern and south-
chimes is reflected in the songs of the Caucasian Sketches. ern parts of the country of Georgia today.
Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1 External links
Main article: Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1 • Liner notes to the Caucasian Sketches (Suites Nos. 1
Caucasian Sketches, Suite No. 1, Op. 10 (1894) consists of and 2) and other orchestral works by Ippolitov-
four "songs" or parts. The suite begins with a vibrant Ivanov, performed by National Symphony Orchestra
song, In a Mountain Pass, which is characterized by a of Ukraine, conducted by Arthur Fagen (Naxos
steady ambitious beat suggesting the steep Caucasus 8.553405)
Mountains and makes one feel like a bird flying over
them. The second song, In a Village, has a steady beat and
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Caucasian_Sketches&oldid=466917633"
Categories:
• Compositions by Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov
• Russian music
• 1894 compositions
• 1896 compositions
• Suites
• Compositions for symphonic orchestra
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