From the Archives - Exotic Locales

By Frank Byrne,

Sam Wisman

Published April 23, 2025 at 11:07 AM CDT

Music has always been able to transport us to another place. In the 19^th and early 20^th century when travel was difficult, people became fascinated with exotic locations via literature, and composers were inspired to write about them and give their musical impressions of these faraway lands.

Compositions and Recordings

Islamey
by Mily Balakirev
Yefim Bronfman, piano

Four Character Pieces after the Rubiyat of Oman Khayyam
by Arthur Foote
Karl Kruger and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Song of India
by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops

Bacchanale from "Samson and Delilah"
by Camille Sain-Saëns
Paul Paray and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Polovtsian Dances from "Prince Igor"
by Alexander Borodin
Karl Kruger and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

From the Archives with Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne

Frank Byrne is the host of From the Archives.

Sam Wisman

Sam Wisman is a senior producer for 91.9 Classical KC and a backup announcer for KCUR 89.3