Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade (Live)

Released shortly after Alan Gilbert’s reign at the helm of the New York Philharmonic drew to a close, this is a stylish reminder of some of his qualities as a conductor. Elegantly shaped and featuring some gorgeous string playing—Gilbert is a violinist by training—this is a Scheherazade of seductive beauty and a wonderful sense of narrative. The colours that Rimsky-Korsakov gives the orchestra are ravishingly conveyed, an example of what a fabulous ensemble this orchestra is when in top form.