Rimsky-Korsakov was the title of the programme presented to the Bury & District Recorded Music Circle by member Donald Gibson last Friday evening.

Opening with movements from Symphonies No 1 & 2 followed by part of the Opera Sadko, a Piano Concerto and to bring the interval the Fantasia on Serbian Themes. After the interval we heard The Young Prince and Young Princess from Scheherazade, the Russian Easter Festival Overture and to end part of The Tale of Tsar Saltan Suite, from the Opera.

Donald described Rimsky-Korsakov as a prolific but much neglected composer, very much harassed by the Tsar regime. Many of his operas are of a very lavish, grand, spectacular nature with some wonderful tunes but very seldom heard. Donald had obviously done a lot of research on his subject and this came across in this presentation and deservedly received a generous round of applause from the audience.

Next Friday vice-chairman Roger Heywood will present Northern Lights. JS