Chopiniana (Les Sylphides)

Alexander Glazunov’s Chopiniana was completed in 1907 in response to a commission by the legendary choreographer Michel Fokine for the plotless ballet Les Sylphides. Glazunov seemed predestined for this work, having already orchestrated four of the required pieces in 1893. Adding the famous Waltz in C sharp minor give the Chopiniana Suite its final form. The suite also features Chopin’s Polonaise in A major Op. 40, the Nocturne in F major Op. 12/1 and the Mazurka in C sharp minor Op. 50/3, culminating with the vertiginous Neapolitan Tarantella in A flat major Op. 43.

Glazunov’s brilliant orchestration demonstrates why he is considered one of the best orchestrators of all time. He effortlessly lends each piano piece unique tonal colouring.