Sir Granville Bantock - Russian Scenes (2/2)

Bantock's "Russian Scenes" was compsed in 1899 as a companion to a suite of English Scenes (which I don't yet have but will acquire and post when I can). They are, perhaps obviously, a tribute to the music and composers of Russia. The suite consists of 5 pieces. The final two pieces are presented here. They are: IV Valse (Waltz) V Cossack Dance (a "Cossack" being a member of a military community in Russia dating back to the Slavs settling in the area of what is now Turkey.) The final piece, is, perhpas, most easily associated with the title "Russian Scenes" but I believe that Bantock did carry the theme quite well throughout. Bantock was an accomplished teacher and was the Principal of the Birmingham and Midland Institute of Music (following his friend Edward Elgar in the position). Bantock was knighted in 1930, joining his friend Elgar in the honor. This performance is by the Czecho-Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra, Kosice led by Adrian Leaper. Enjoy!