A lavish orchestral adaptation of a rarely performed 19th-century ballet score.

This studio recording of Alexander Glazunov’s Raymonda was created for the 2022 performance by English National Ballet, with a score adapted and edited by Gavin Sutherland and Lars Payne. Following the epic journey of love and courage inspired by the spirit of Florence Nightingale, this lavish orchestral adaptation retains the best of Glazunov’s 19th-century original score, updating it to match the dramatic new narrative choreographed by Tamara Rojo.

The original Raymonda is very rarely performed in the UK, where no dance company performs it in its entirety. The journey of adapting and realising Glazunov’s score was extensive, and this recording preserves the beauty of the piece and the musical talent of the English National Ballet. Sutherland and Payne spent four rewarding days making the recording in the Holloway Production Studio at the Mulryan Centre for Dance, London.

“Glazunov’s big, juicy score – edited and adapted by Gavin Sutherland and Lars Payne – sounds magnificent.” – The Times ★★★★

“A modern classic” – The Daily Telegraph ★★★★

“Glazunov’s score is a stunner, and the orchestra under Gavin Sutherland relishes its lush and sparkling textures.” – The Evening Standard ★★★★

“Glazunov’s score, often regarded as the main triumph of the ballet, is given its full worth by the orchestra under the direction of Gavin Sutherland.” – The Guardian

This recording was kindly supported by Charles Holloway.