Does it seem possible that a Dutch conductor could lead a Malaysian symphony in a program of orchestral music by a Russian nationalist composer and make a convincing case for the music? Proving that anything is possible,
Kees Bakels leads the
Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in performances of
Rimsky-Korsakov's First and Third symphonies and his Fantasia on Serbian Themes and succeeds completely.
Bakels has distinguished himself with a fine series of recordings of
Vaughan Williams' symphonies with the
Bournemouth Symphony, and his
Rimsky-Korsakov is just as impressive.
Bakels' interpretations stress the raw strength and bright colors of
Rimsky-Korsakov's music, giving even the early First Symphony -- which was the first symphony composed by a Russian -- an admirable power and attractive authenticity. Part of the reason
Bakels stresses the raw strength of the music, of course, is that it plays to the
Malaysian Philharmonic's own raw strength. If the Malaysian's colors are more primary than
Rimsky-Korsakov's, they are no less appealing. And if the Malaysian's rhythms are more rudimentary than
Rimsky-Korsakov's, they are all the more driving. While not the finest recordings ever made of the works --
Evgeny Svetlanov and the USSR Symphony Orchestra probably have that distinction -- these are still remarkable performances. BIS' on-location sound in PETRONAS Hall in Kuala Lumpur is very vivid, if a bit distant.