Customer Reviews

Glazunov: SYMPHONY 1 / VIOLIN CONCERTO

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
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Valery Polyansky, on the basis of this album, seems to be a non-interventionist conductor. He selects good tempos, maitains a proper balance in the orchestral textures, and otherwise does not let his temperament, such as it is, intrude on the performance. This is rather unusual for a Russian conductor, so many of whom have big personalities. His approach works rather well in the symphony, which after all is a youthful work rather free of neurosis and angst. Nevertheless, I miss the level of tension other Russian conductors might bring to it. The Concerto is somewhat more successful. Krasko, whom I've never heard of before, is a very good soloist--with a gutsy, occasionally grainy sound. Polyansky accompanies her hand in glove, so the whole is very satisfying. The sound engineering in both works is some of Chandos's best. But perhaps there are more satisfying recordings of this music.

The Chandos not-quite-complete cycle of Glazunov symphonies is in for some stiff competition from Serebrier and Otaka on Warner and BIS, and while I admit to usually preferring either of the latter, at least several of the Chandos issues have the advantage of being coupled with some of Glazunov's superb cantatas. This release, however, suffers a little by having as its coupling one of the composer's most enduring and performed works - it makes up for it, though, by offering us what turns out to be one of the best accounts of this splendid concerto I've heard.

The first symphony was written by a 16 year old; it is certainly indebted to Rimsky-Korsakov and Balakirev, but is a remarkably well-crafted and inventive work, colorfully scored and strong on memorable themes. Polyansky chooses tempi that are somewhat broader than most of his competitors, but the end result is pretty effective, emphasizing the (melancholic) moods and arguments, although missing just a little of the vibrancy and the colors it is possible to conjure up here.

The violin concerto is superbly played overall - surprisingly Polyansky and the Russian State seem a little insecure at the start, but Juliet Krasko's performance is sweet-toned, warm, superbly phrased and full of character, and in general the orchestra supports her admirably throughout (and she is obviously in the lead, pulling and cajoling the orchestra around - it works pretty well). The recorded sound is superb, and this is overall a strongly recommended release, although perhaps not quite a first choice in either work - though closer in the concerto than in the symphony despite the stiffer competition in the former.

I chose this disc because of Julia Krasko - She plays with heart.

I've been collecting anything/everything released with Hilary Hahn and Julia Fischer. Also purchased a few from Sara Chang, and a couple of others not worth taking my time to remember what their names are. I find Sara to be unimpressive regardless of anyones positive comments.
Hahn & Fischer - their performances I still feel strongly about BUT something happened when I came upon Julia Krasko.

Julia Krasko plays with 'love' - seem difficult to find the words. This CD I enjoy very much but again I purchased it as it came up in a search for material associated with her name.

Those of you never hearing of Julia Krasko before need to listen to 'Loves Joy & Sorrow' - it is such a delight. To assure this album will remain with me for years - I intend to purchase another. The recording is exceptional. DAVID - I hope you purchase this (Joy & Sorrow) CD - you won't be disappointed.
Sadly - no matter where I search....material with Julia Krasko seems to remain unfound!