‘Symphonic Vignettes, Vol. 7’ is an exciting collection of great musical masterpieces performed by the New World Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Raymond Thomas. The musical content of this recording ranges from the nationalism of Russia’s Balakireff, Glinka and Glazunoff, to the German-Viennese romantic school of Graener and Strauss and the French lyricism of Bizet and Saint-Saëns. Mily A. Balakireff (1836-1910), an avowed proponent of Russian nationalism, was the guiding star of the “great Five of Russian Music.” He is represented in this recording with the Slavic Overture, a selection characteristic of his ability as a master craftsman. Balakireff’s use of folk melody emphasizes his nationalistic feelings. In his symphonic treatment, statements of quiet lyricism alternate with the wild barbarism associated with early Russian history. The music of Alexander Glazunoff (1865-1936) was brought to the public’s attention through the efforts of Balakireff who assisted many of Russia’s composers to gain recog