Customer Reviews

Glazunov: Complete Orchestral Works Vol 3 / Krimets, Moscow

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rather than complain that Glazunov came after the Mighty Handful, but before the great 20th-century Russian composers ... I hear in the Opus 13 "Stenka Razin" echoes of Sibelius - really, a charming musical borderland between the Sibelius of "Finlandia" and Tchaikovsky.

Come, let us admit it: if Glazunov had been Finnish (where fine composers were rarer than in Russia) and if the motto of this piece were a Finnish hymn rather than the "Song of the Volga Boatmen," this piece would be a staple of American orchestras.

For the very reason of my great love for the music of Sibelius, I liked "Stenka" from the outset.

The "Slavic Holiday" is charmingly folksy, in a manner which will recall Dvorák's Slavonic Dances.

The Solemn Cortege and Fantasy "From Darkness to Light" were written in Tchaikovsky's honor, shortly after that composer's death.

While I speak of this or that piece as suggesting or recalling this or that other (and better-known) composer, I do not mean that Glazunov's music is merely pale imitation. It is well made, puts the orchestra to splendid use, is eminently an adornment of the concert hall. To hear this disc, is to wonder what sort of conspiracy has kept the music from being performed by American orchestras, whose audiences would take an immediate liking to it.

The Moscow Symphony Orchestra sounds terrific here; the Mosfilm studio can holds its head high, and this disc can serve as Exhibit A.

Naxos's (and Marco Polo's) survey of the complete orchestral music of Alexander Glazunov is an extremely worthwhile one, although one could sometimes have wished for more polished and characterful performances. This release is, however, is rather successful, with Konstantin Krimets leading idiomatic and colorfully enjoyable performances from the Moscow SO - there is strong competition in the Stenka Razin, but hardly anything in the rest of the works here.

Stenka Razin is deservedly popular (at least moderately popular) - it's an exhilarating work, comparable to Rimsky's Russian Easter Festival Overture, extremely well scored and atmospheric with many superb ideas woven into it. Unfortunately, at least compared to other performances, the string sound here is rather thin and the dazzling array of colors and pyrotechnics somewhat understated (it might actually be due to the recording more than the performance). Une Fête Slave is a buoyant piece (an adapted orchestration of the finale from the third string quartet), and the performances sound better here than in Stenka Razin, with much attention to detail. The Cortége Solennel is the earliest of two pieces of the same name, and is again an eminently well-crafted work, civil and somewhat quirky with much fine writing for (and playing by) the woodwinds.

From Dark to Light is not among Glazunov's most distinguished works, but it is atmospheric enough in its trajectory from loss and despair to wistful, nostalgic happiness - very much saved by Glazunov's expert skills at orchestration (I haven't heard the Rakhlin performance which has something of an underground legendary status). The Mazurka is gracious and lively and well played and the March is confident and light-hearted. All in all, this is a very enjoyable release, even if it doesn't quite cut it in Stenka Razin. Strongly recommended, nonetheless, and not only for ardent fans of the composer.

Glazunov is a Russian composer who brought a clear nationalist style into his own work. Some argue continuously that he has borrowed from Borodin and Rimsky-Korsakov, and that his music features no original qualities. While I do agree that his works are somewhat unoriginal and outdated for its time, I can't help but enjoy listening to them. They consist of colorful orchestrations and intriguing lyricism. Sure, Glazunov is not Tchaikovsky, but he was still able to create some lovely music. Whichi brings me to these wonderful CD's created by Naxos. This CD in particular is the official third volume of the Alexander Glazunov series. It features six compositions that are typical of Glazunov's style: Stenka Razin, Une fete slave (Slavic Holiday), Fantasie (From Darkness to Light), Cortege solennel, Mazurka, and March on a Russian Theme. All of them will no doubt please the listener, but Stenka Razin should not be missed. Not only does it contain one of the most famous Russian melodies of all time, it tells the story of Stepan Razin, a Cossack rebel of the 17th century. I think Shostakovich told the story better through music, but Glazunov also accomplishes the musical adaptation with plenty to offer.

Konstantin Krimets is obviously fully dedicated to his conducting, so it's no surprise that he handles the Moscow Symphony Orchestra very well. The orchestra itself is good, though I wish the players could have added a bit more emotion with Fantasie & Une fete slave. All in all, these are impressive performances that are captured in some great sound quality.

Grade: A-

If you are fascinated by percussion like I am, you will surely
learn to appreciate these very entertaining and well recorded
performances.

In fact, several numbers sound overall as quite militaristic,
in matters of the robust and beautiful accentuation of the
bass drums, coupled with the parade-style mood of several
passages.

Also, the opening number STENKA RAZIN shows a catchy melody,
that is upbeat, albeit simple.

The numbers are well balances, never repetitive or boring,
and is guaranteed to keep the listener entertained for well
over 45 mins.