Caucasian Sketches

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Caucasian Sketches is an orchestral suite written in 1894 by Russian composer Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov. It is the most often performed of his compositions and can be heard frequently on classical radio stations. The final movement, entitled The Procession of the Sardar, is often heard by itself, and is a favorite of "Pops" concerts.

[edit] The influences and nature of the Caucasian Sketches

The songs of Caucasian Sketches were influenced by the Georgian folk songs that Ippolitov-Ivanov heard during his years at a conservatory in Tbilisi and his visits to the surrounding Caucasus Mountains. Ippolitov-Ivanov studied under Rimsky-Korsakov, whose style of beats and chimes is reflected in the songs as well.

The first part of the Sketches, suite one, consists of four "songs" or parts. The most famous and admired portion is the final piece, Procession of the Sardar (a sardar is an Afghan military commander). The suite begins with another vibrant song, In the Mountain Pass, which is characterized by a steady ambitious beat suggesting the steep Caucasus Mountains and makes one feel like a bird flying over them. The title of a third, In the Mosque, reflects the abundance of mosques in the Turkish Caucausus and Circassian regions such as Adygea in Russia. The fourth song, In the Village, is a blander piece with a steady beat.

Suite two contains an introduction and four sketches. The first sketch is the tantalizing, oppressive Lamentation of Princess Ketevana. It is followed by Berceuse (French for lullaby), Lesghinka, and the Georgian March, a very lively song which sounds like a military march and contains much use of the flute and chimes. The Caucasian Sketches were written in 1894.