Customer Reviews

Orchestral Pictures From Russia

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

 

 

Soviet orchestras were the only orchestras ever to properly do justice to many russian pieces in my opinion. After hearing many of the pieces on this disc, I can't help but find American or West European versions of the same works a bit bland in comparison. Extremely emotional and moving renditions.

This CD set was part of a series released by BMG in the mid 90s after their licensing agreement with Russian record label MELODIYA. All CDs in the series have now been deleted (shame on BMG!). This particular title was one of the first in the series.

It is amazing that one reviewer claimed that both orchestra & conductor are 'obscure'!! Hello??? The USSR (State) Symphony Orchestra, now the Russian State Symphony Orchestra is one of the finest orchestras in Russia and the late maestro Svetlanov one of the leading and most prolific conductors of the ex-USSR. He recorded an endless list of works by a wide range of composers for various labels all over the globe.

This CD focuses on known Russian works (Night on the Bare Mountain, In the Steppes of Central Asia, Russian Easter Festival Overture etc) and some very rare Russian gems (on CD2). The recordings are typical of the golden era of MELODIYA and the Russian sound of the orchestra is unmistakable. There might be better engineered recordings of these works, but Svetlanov's magic cannot be easily surpassed. Of all the 'Steppes' I have heard, this wins hands down!

Grab a copy of this set if you come across it - an excellent 'sampler' of the art of Yevgeny Svetlanov!

A marvellous CD. Moving and a great way to be introduced to the amazing and powerful music of the Mighty Handful et al. A must buy.

Personally, I love 19th century Russian music. And few, if any, conductors equalled Svetlanov in conducting Russian music. Therefore, I have thoroughly enjoyed this varied collection of works which presents a treasure trove of wonderful music -- including some well know works but also many other delightful works which were new to me and, I suspect will be new to other listeners as well. If you too like Russian music, please treat yourself to this delightful 2-CD set.

Don't be misled by the claim in another review that this conductor and orchestra are obscure. Svetlanov was a leading Russian conductor (he died recently), and the USSR Symphony (now the Russian State Orchestra) was one of Russia's leading orchestras. These performances are part of a series of re-releases of material originally recorded by Melodiya during the Soviet era. Do not consider buying this compilation for the more familiar music; consider it for the rarities and for the the authentic Russian-sounding performances in good remastered analog stereo. If you are unsure about the music on these particular discs, investigate Svetlanov's other BMG releases, such as his Tchaikovsky symphonies (including one of the best Manfred Symphonies ever recorded).

I have a penchant for shopping in local used music stores, and this is one of the CDs I found. This CD does not cater to the Tchaikovsky, bombastic Russian fan which I am, but instead explores lesser-known works with excellent merit in their own right. Though I bought the CD for Bright Holiday (that is, the Russian Easter Overture), I kept it for the pieces by Liadov, Glazunov and other virtual unknowns.
The Russian Easter Overture was sub-par by my standards, but for an obscure orchestra (USSR Symphony? Who are they?) and an obscure conductor (Svetlanov? Who's he?), I was quite impressed by the maturity and expressiveness of the lesser-known pieces on the second disc. About Olden Times by Liadov became my instant favorite, and the nostalgic and passionate harp and strings at the start endeared me to it instantly.
Do not buy this CD for the "known" pieces. The Polovtsian Dances are also sub-par. However, this CD is worth a listen, and perhaps a purchase, for the touching mystique and fiery obscurity of the lesser-knowns.