Polotsvian Dances=Stranger in Paradise?

Cafe Society
1

There’s a new commercial for a Liz Clairbourne fragrance, Bora Bora, I believe. Anyways, the commercial features the song “Stranger in Paradise,” the melody of which sounds EXACTLY like Alexander Borodin’s Polotsvian Dances. (One of my favorites, I might add!).

So, did someone take the original piece, and make a new song, like someone did with Bach’s Minuet ("I’ll Take Away the Rain)?

2

They suredid. .

3

“Stranger in Paradise” is from the musical “Kismet”. Most or all of the songs were based on Borodin. “Baubles, Bangles, and Beads” and “And This Is My Beloved” use melodies from his string quartet, IIRC.

4

Thank you.

It was driving me nuts.