In the Steppes of Central Asia

This short and effective piece depicts—somewhat idealised—a central Asian caravan of horses and camels which, as the premiere’s programme note described it, “emerges out of the boundless steppe, escorted by Russian soldiers and continues safely and fearlessly on its long way”. Composed quickly by Borodin in the first weeks of 1880, it was originally intended to accompany one of a series of tableaux vivants to illustrate events from the first 25 years of the reign of Tsar Alexander II, who had expanded the Russian empire eastward. The planned event never took place, but Borodin’s piece—following its premiere by the Russian Imperial Opera Orchestra (forerunner of the Mariinsky Orchestra) conducted by his close friend and colleague Rimsky-Korsakov—quickly became popular in Russia and across Europe, securing his international fame. It is a fine demonstration both of Borodin’s superb ear for orchestration and ability to deftly paint a musical picture.