The Red Poppy

Reinhold Glière, a Russian composer of Belgian descent. As a composer Glière followed the Russian romantic tradition, something that brought him official praise in 1948 when the music of Prokofiev and Shostakovich was condemned. In particular his ballet music proved popular.

The ballet 'Red Poppy' satisfied political choreographic demands and became a well known part the repertoire. Possibly the most famous dance from this ballet is the 'Russian Sailors Dance'.

In this suite Dutch arranger Jacques Claessens transcribed 3 movements from the ballet: 'Heroic Coolie Dance', 'Waltz' and the 'Russian Sailors Dance'.