jmc's classics
Some people who ae fans of Tony Bennett or Perry Como may be familiar with the song "Stranger in paradise". The melody is of classical origin. It is from the 1953 musical Kismet by Robert Wright and George Forrest. They incorporated classical music in to their musicals. the song is based on the music of Alexander Borodin (1833-1887). It is from the Palovstian dances from Borodin's opera Prince Igor. I am not going to go in to detail about this opera- it would take too long.
The musical is based on the Arabian knights. It was commissioned by Edward Lester and won the 1954 Tony Award for Best Musical. It is based on the 1911 book by British playwright Edward Knockblock (1874-1945). Many other songs in the musical are based on Borodin's music. Borodin was a Russian composer. he was also a scientist which was his major occupation. He did research on aldehydes. He was friends with another Russian Composer Milley Bilakierev (1837-1909). Borodin incorporated Russian folk melodies in to his music. He is remembered today for his opera Prince Igor as well as his three symphonies. His most famous work is his Nocturn from his Second String Quartet. It was arranged for orchestra. I have a copy of this work. It is the Saint Petersburg Chamber Orchestra conducted by Saulius Sondeckes. It is on the Sony label and is still available. It also includes is symphonies and some of his other works and I like this piece of music. I am not familiar with his symphonies. I recommend this album for any body wanting to get familiar with Borodin's works. I am beginning to like this song. Both of the above men tined singers have sung it. Also Bing Crosby, Vic Damone and the Ink Spots. This song was popular in the 1950's. It was used as a theme in the 1999 movie Breakfast of Champions based on the novel by Kurt Vonnegut. Classical music is often recognizable. broadwya has borrowed form many classical composer as we can see here.
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