Customer Reviews

Balakauskas: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

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This music is very unusual and is probably would not be everyones cup of tea. These symphonies remind me much of the late 20th century music that has come out the Scandanvian and Baltic countries. Although it is atonal, it appears to me that this music evolved out of aesthetics of Sibelius. The closest composers that this music sounds like are Vasks and Rauravaara.
There is a unique twist here. There is a strong jazz element. In the fourth symphony I can hear a blues structure in many of the melodies.
The jazz influence really comes through in the fifth symphony. During the final movement I had the feeling I was listening to atonal latin music ala Morton Gould.
If one is interested in classical jazz, he should give this a try.

Symphony No. 4 is not melodic, but is abstract in nature. There are 3 movements, with each movement consisting of music based upon different scales of tones. They are 8, 11 and 10, respectively. The 1st movement contains a hint of the sound of the blues. The next movement is a little more jazzy and also contains sounds of the blues. Sounds of the blues can also be heard in the final movement. Throughout this Symphony, there is experimentation with the different tone scales, as well as with the various instruments and sections of the orchestra; interesting forms of harmony and dissonance are created. Symphony No. 5 is a 21st Century composition, and is a musical treat. It is in 4 movements, abstract in nature, and full of themes which remind one of jazz, the blues, and big band sounds. The 4th movement is somewhat dance-like and has a Latin beat to it. Close your eyes and you will wonder if you are in a concert hall or dance hall. I recommend this recording to those interested in contemporary symphonies.