Rubinstein: Symphony No. 2

With his "Ocean Symphony," as which Anton Rubinstein's Second became known, he created a highly original work of program music that musically depicts man's struggle against the element of water in an exceedingly convincing manner. Although the influences of Mendelssohn and Schumann are certainly perceptible, stemming from his student days in Europe, this symphony is imbued with the specific Russian earthiness, and Slavic pathos that characterized Rubinstein's music. Also heard on this CD is the colorful ballet suite from Rubinstein's Oriental-inspired opera "Feramos."