Customer Reviews

Arensky: Symphony No. 1 and Premiere Recordings

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Arensky studied with Tchaikovsky as well as Rimsky, and you hear the influences of both in his music, Indeed, the symphony recorded here opens up like a lost composition by Pyotr Ilich, then mixes periodic Tchaikovskian moments with influences of Rimsky and Borodin. The symphony is tuneful, imaginatively orchestrated, and sheer delight to listen to. If you like the music of the composers I've already mentioned, you're going to like this symphony every bit as much.

The other works are also highly enjoyable. Arensky is probably best known for the Tchaikovsky Variations, and justifiably so. The working out of the variations is ingenious, but technique never distracts from the quality of the music. The other works are smaller, but not lesser.

Playing is first-rate, as is Chandos' audio. I have quite a bit of Arensky in my collection, and this recording is the gem of the series.

About 25 years ago I bought a Melodya LP of Arensky's Symphony No. 1 performed by Yevgeny Svetlanov conducting the USSR Symphony Orchestra. You can't beat that recording. Unfortunately I've moved several times since then and that LP is lost forever. However, Polyansky and the Russian State Orchestra do a commendable job with this recording. They've also included some other gems--the Tchaikovsky Variations and Vocal Quartet--that weren't on my original LP. For those who are new to Arensky's music, you're in for a real treat. Do yourself a favor and download this one. It's at a great price too.