Alexander Borodin

Polovtsian Dances: In the Steppes of Central Asia

Russian composer and chemist Alexander Borodin (1833-1887) wrote the symphonic poem In the Steppes of Central Asia in 1880, with it premiering at the Russian Opera Orchestra in St. Petersburg under Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's baton on April 20, 1880. Intended as one of several tableaus written for a celebration that never happened of Emperor Alexander II of Russia's then 25-year reign, the work has remained popular on the concert stage since it was first performed. A programmatic work depicting Russians and Asians working together in Central Asia, Borodin included the following note in the score: "In the silence of the monotonous steppes of Central Asia is heard the unfamiliar sound of a peaceful Russian song. From the distance we hear the approach of horses and camels and the bizarre and melancholy notes of an oriental melody. A caravan approaches, escorted by Russian soldiers, and continues safely on its way through the immense desert. It disappears slowly. The notes of the Russian and Asiatic melodies join in a common harmony, which dies away as the caravan disappears in the distance." Instrumentation: 2.1+EH.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set).