Polovtsian Dances

In Five Steps Ahead, Robert and Carolyn share a romantic moment at the kids park. Robert dials up classical music on the FM station in the car, which he broadcasts into the park.

The station is just finishing up a piece by Borodin called "Polovtsian Dances", which is from Borodin's opera Prince Igor. In this act, captured Polovtsians are singing praises to the Khan.

  Sing songs of praise to the Khan! Sing!
  Praised be his generosity, praised be his mercy!
  Praise him!

In response to hearing the song, Robert demans Carolyn dance for him, claiming he is the Khan, and she does.

In our story, the radio station may be playing just the Gliding Dance of the Maidens before going on to the next piece. Note that much of "Polovtsian Dances" is the basis for the musical Kismet, and the Gliding Dance of the Maidens is the basis for the popular song "Stranger in Paradise".

Further References

• Find more about Alexander Borodin here on Wikipedia.
• Find more about Polovtsian Dances here on Wikipedia. See here for information about the Polovtsian Dances with Chorus.
• For a performance of the Gliding Dance of the Maidens go here on YouTube and see time code 9:32. This version includes lyrics sung in Russian.
• For the lyrics for this part of the performance, see here on Wikipedia.
• For a performance of the Gliding Dance of the Maidens on piano go here on YouTube.
• For an orchestral performance of the Gliding Dance of the Maidens go here on YouTube and see time code 7:10.

Contact Rich at WrittenByRich@sonic.com.
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