In the Steppes of Central Asia (Russian: В
средней Азии, V srednyeĭ Azii, literally In
Central Asia) is the common English title for a
"musical tableau" (or symphonic poem) by Alexander
Borodin, composed in 1880.
The work was originally intended to be presented as one
of several tableaux vivants to celebrate the silver
anniversary of the reign of Alexander II of Russia, who
had done much to expand the Russian Empire eastward.
The intended production never occurred, but the ...(+)
In the Steppes of Central Asia (Russian: В
средней Азии, V srednyeĭ Azii, literally In
Central Asia) is the common English title for a
"musical tableau" (or symphonic poem) by Alexander
Borodin, composed in 1880.
The work was originally intended to be presented as one
of several tableaux vivants to celebrate the silver
anniversary of the reign of Alexander II of Russia, who
had done much to expand the Russian Empire eastward.
The intended production never occurred, but the work
itself became, and has remained, a concert favorite
ever since its first concert performance, on 8 April
1880 (Old style) in St. Petersburg by the orchestra of
the Russian Opera under the conductorship of Nikolai
Rimsky-Korsakov. The work is dedicated to Franz
Liszt.
The orchestral work idyllically depicts an interaction
of Russians and Asians in the steppe lands of the
Caucasus. A caravan of Central Asians is crossing the
desert under the protection of Russian troops. The
opening theme, representing the Russians, is heard
first (see chart of themes); then we hear the strains
of an ornamented eastern melody on English horn,
representing the Asians. These two melodies eventually
are combined contrapuntally. Amidst these two ethnic
melodies is heard a "traveling" theme in pizzicato that
represents the plodding hoofs of the horses and camels.
At the end only the Russian theme is heard.
Borodin provided the following description in a note to
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.”
Although this piece was originally scored for two
Flutes, Oboe, Cor Anglais, two Clarinets, two Bassoons,
four Horns in F, two Trumpets in F, two Trombones, Bass
Trombone, Timpani and strings, I created this short
arrangement for Viola & Acoustic Piano at the
suggestion of my friend Amanda Ellis.
(by Magatagan, Michael)84x⬇ 130x
