Romantic Fantasies

This is one of the most beautiful albums ever released by the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra. Entitled Romantic Fantasies, it includes the rich melodies from Scheherazade and Prince Igor. (The music from Prince Igor is widely known as it was later incorporated in the popular Broadway musical Kismet with the theme song, “Stranger In Paradise.”) The album also includes Rimsky-Korsakov’s effervescent Dance of the Clowns, the powerful finale from Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony and the sentimental and virtuoso violin showpiece, Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy Airs). Finally, the album concludes with the incredible Rhapsody in Rhumba based on Cuban melodies and Latin rhythms from the 1930s. Dedicated to our founder-conductor, Dr. Ernst Katz, this album is a most fitting tribute for his 71 years of dedication to youth in music. Dr. Katz was present for a standing ovation at the Shrine Auditorium on May 4, 2008 when most of the music on this album was performed and conducted by his nephew, Gary S. Greene.