Repertoire: The BEST and WORST Glazunov Symphony Cycles

[@IsothermeMusic]

Oh my. That slow movement of G’s 2nd symphony breaks my heart, especially the second time through the melody. Thank you so much for playing that. I’ve found a new favorite piece to share with others.

[@kennethkleszynski1744]

I first heard The Seasons and Violin Concerto when in my teens and instantly became hooked. I spent years accumulating all the symphonies on imported Melodiya LP's and despite the sound and performances (they were the only game in town at that time) came to love all these symphonies. I've heard all the cycles Dave mentions, Serebrier has been my top choice ever since it appeared. There are a couple of other Russian cycles that are (or have been) out there: Polyansky (as cited by Alasdair Thomas) and Rozhdestvensky (I went through two copies of this set and both had some pitch fluctuation problems). I've been waiting for this video--thanks!

[@Jeff-wb3hh]

Wow, what an incredible sound from that tam-tam. Fantastic! Thanks for the Glazunov Symphony Cycles overview, very informative.

[@AlexMadorsky]

This video is fortuitously timed, or perhaps I am simply psychic, because last night I was watching your video on the best Russian Romantic symphonies, where of course our man Glazunov gets a mention. I’m inclined to agree Russian performances of Glazunov may be weak because Russian musicians are raised to believe Glazunov was a second-rate composer, perhaps a more conservative Tchaikovsky. Even maestros who fancy Glazunov and seek to record his work may struggle to break totally free of this preconceived notion. Feyodosyev is the first cycle I bought as a budding Glazunov fan, and Glazunov would probably seem to be a 2nd-rate composer to anyone basing their opinion solely on that box. I love Serebrier’s take on Glazunov and actually give him a slight edge over Jarvi in terms of sympathizing with the composer’s vision. More importantly, you get the magnificent concertos (even those who don’t think much of Glazunov the symphonist should concede he was a great concerto composer) and things like The Sea tone poem. The Sea features the first usage of trombone glissando in the whole classical repertoire. That can’t be written off as simple conservatism. Serebirier is on Qobuz for those of you who stream on the platform.

[@scuunjieng]

thank you a real revelation. at age 63 i have heard most of what i listen to it so it is always special to discover and listen to something for the first time

[@Bucky58]

Glazunov symphonies are awesome and underrated. They always had interesting codas. Great orchestrations as well. Never understood why they never seem to make it to the concert hall that often. Thanks for reviewing these.

[@robkeeleycomposer]

So heartening to hear such an enthusiastic recommendation for this wonderful composer. I've loved the symphonies (especially 5 and 7) since I was a student, when all these was were very gritty Soviet-era vinyl, which kind friends duly put on grungy tape cassettes for me. The 5th was done at the Proms a couple of years back (sadly I had to miss it) which was encouraging - I suspect that the orchestral material wasn't always easy to get hold of. Oh , and a special heads-up for the miraculous scherzo of the 3rd symphony, which has always had a bad press, as 'transitional', as if this was a bad thing! it's also worth emphasising the vast quantity of orchestral music (other than symphonies) - I have a special thing for the Finnish Fantasy, which was used for a wonderful BBC adaptation of Anna Karenina back in 1977, and had stuck in my head!

[@markhuff9027]

Oh, I LOVE Glazunov! Great video!

[@firzaakbarpanjaitan]

If the previous tamtam made you look like you have devil horns, this one reminds me of the Biblical Halo haha. Great video Dave!

[@detectivehome3318]

When it comes to the classical music recordings world, he is a Biblical Halo hahhaha.

[@michaelmurray8742]

Thanks for the introduction Dave I’ve just ordered the Warner set from Amazon UK for £17! I can now keep listening.

[@kylejohnson8877]

I’d been waiting for this one! I very much agree with your assessment of Glazunov’s symphonies and the available recorded cycles of them. These are extremely enjoyable works as long as one doesn’t approach them expecting a lot of emotional depth - that isn’t what Glazunov’s music is about! Unusually for a Russian composer, only two of his 8 (1/2) symphonies are in minor keys! He was a particularly magnificent and detailed orchestrator - his string parts are remarkable for the amount of divisi employed. His orchestral textures are always superbly fresh and aerated and never get too heavy. It struck me how movements like the scherzo of the 5th Symphony perfectly encapsulate the innocence and magic of waking up on Christmas morning as a child! I could never agree with those who insist on the superiority of Russian conductor-led performances in this music. Järvi and Serebrier are tops for me as well (I haven’t heard Otaka yet). Also, great point about the double standard of “having a personal style” as regards famous composers vs. lesser-known composers. So many people just go off received “wisdom” about composer “x” being superior to composer “y” without actually taking the time to seriously LISTEN to the music of the underdogs!

[@WMAlbers1]

Well, I listened the 7th symphony some years ago of the Järvi set, but I clearly have to start again. The 2nd symphony is absolutely gorgeous!!! I keep listening.

[@fulltongrace7899]

Yes second gorgeous, especially the second movement Dave sampled. The first movement feels like a long variation of the opening brass chorale. Stunning.

[@jockmoron]

Hello, this is the first time I've heard this reviewer. Isn't he good. His enthusiasm and gentle understanding are so refreshing. There's so much good music you'll rarely hear in concerts. I'll be following Dave more frequently. I have previously downloaded a copy of the Serebrier and the RSNO from Apple which I've found very enjoyable. Thank you so much.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank you for listening!

[@RepertoireSharer]

Thanks for this! I love Glazunov’s music and agree with everything you said about it here. I’d love to hear one of his symphonies live, but I suppose that’s wishful thinking.

[@prometheanevent]

Glazunov’s music is a beautiful blend of structure and sentiment. It offers me a nostalgia for a time and place I never actually lived in.

[@davidhollingsworth1847]

Thank you David. It is interesting that Gerald Abraham, a British critic of the previous century, determined that Glazunov wrote the same symphony eight different times (the same criticism given to Bruckner's symphonies as a matter of fact). That happens to be the wrong verdict. If anything, Glazunov's symphonies are quite consistent, in terms of the level of engagement, orchestration (brilliant, colorful, but at times dense), rhythmic bounce or vitality, melodic invention, urbanity, rhetoric (or modes of expression), development and transition, climaxes. It's that kind of consistency (that unshakable style and personality) one finds in the symphonies of Bruckner, Bax, Sibelius, Martinu, Nielsen even.

[@HassoBenSoba]

Hard to believe that such a dour, morose, schlumpy-looking guy like Glazunov could write such gorgeous, delightful, life-affirming music...and Bravo to you for really laying it all out there! As you said, Otaka REALLY understands this music, and I am absolutely amazed at the clarity, shaping and nuance of his performances; every time Glazunov needs a bit of help structurally, texture-wise, etc, Otaka knows how to make it sound utterly convincing; the guy is brilliant; Syms 3,4, are great..but his #7 had me floating on air. By comparison, most Russian recordings I've heard are crude and indifferent to the music's delicacies. Symphony #5 is the best of them all, I believe..what a grand, glorious, noble work! I conducted it a few years ago, and the orchestra played the first rehearsal as if they knew it in their sleep..THAT's how well-written it is! Jarvi is GREAT--- and the Orfeo recorded sound might be the best orchestral recording ever made..seriously. Serebrier's Finale is rushed...too hectic for this celebratory music (I played tymp and percussion under Jose in Cleveland's major community orchestra, the Philharmonic, c. 1970; I'm sure he has improved GREATLY as a conductor since then, and leave it at that). You continue to do a great service to the underrated composers and the "under-served" audiences who don't know their music. BTW, what make/brand is the new Tam-tam? I love the sound. LR

[@markdecker7489]

I got the Serebrier easily on Amazon for a cheap price, brand new. So maybe it's back in print? But anyway, it is FANTASTIC. The sonics are fabulous, the playing is fabulous, the content is fabulous... easily one of the best sets I own of anything now.

[@GastonBulbous]

I ordered the entire Jarvi set as six individual used Orfeo discs from three different vendors for about $20 less than the absurdly-overpriced box set! Looking forward to hearing the cycle in what the samples suggest is a sprightlier approach to Glazunov. One of the biggest influences you’ve had on me these past few months, David, is developing my taste for conductors like Wand, Suitner and Kempe, and for the sound of regional German orchestras like Dresden, Berlin Staatskapeller, Munich, etc. So the fact that Jarvi recorded his Glazunov cycle with the Bamberger orchestra is actually a plus. Otaka with Wales and Serebrier with the SNO, while interpretively very fine, don’t have a lot of flavor for me, although I like Otaka’s romanticism. Anyways, thanks again for all the great tips, David, and the ongoing seminar. I’m really excited for the Jarvi cycle!

[@lukesinclair4337]

Before watching this video, I had never listened to Glazunov. I listened to the first three symphonies with Serebrier, identified my favourite moments, and then gave Otaka and Järvi a shot. I wasn't completely convinced with Serebrier, and I guess I don't have the patience just yet for Otaka. However, Järvi really gives the music that musicality that must have come with what David described as a willingness to intervene a bit more here and there. I'm ready to explore the Glazunov symphonies!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thanks for listening! I'm so impressed at the willingness of everyone here to make the comparisons and find the performances that impress them the most.

[@lukesinclair4337]

@@DavesClassicalGuide You're most welcome! Indeed, the ones I am impressed by the most are often within your top 3 recommendations. Your audience trusts you!

[@denbigh51]

Glad to find someone sticking up for Glazunov. Perhaps you are too kind about the Otaka cycle, which we have. The excerpts from symphonies 1 and 2 sound much better from Jarvi. However, The best single Glazunov symphony recording I know is Walter Weller’s (symphony no 5). As for Svetlanov he did at least do a wonderful record of the Seasons with the Philharmonia.

[@MorganHayes_Composer.Pianist]

I agree, the slow movement of no.2 sounds a little perfunctory in comparison with Jarvi. Glad to be pointed in the direction of this beautiful music.

[@alger3041]

Svetlanov's No. 6 is excellent but somehow he doesn't come up to it in some of the others. He was as inconsistent in Tchaikovsky. With that one's No. 2 it is so perfect for me that I will have none other, but of the others only his No. 5 makes the mark.

[@michaelshort7472]

I was browsing through youtube for Glazunov recordings and listened to a so-so live recording of a Moscow symphony doing the 4th Symphony (my favorite) and then listened to the same Symphony with Jarvi/Bamberg and thought "Wow, this is so much better!" and happened on your video. Happy to see that you picked the same recording - it was like you were reading my mind! I liked it for the same reasons you did. I've never understood why Glazunov is ignored, and he was ignored in my education in music school as well (nearly everyone after Wagner was passed over except Schoenberg, Berg and Gunther Schuller). "Bargain-Basement Tchaikovsky" indeed! I'm stealing that phrase! Keep up the good work!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thanks.

[@NealSchultz]

Yep Serebrier, Jarvi and Otaka are terrific! As a HEAVY Glazunov consumer I even have those "bad" Russians, too, including Rozhdestvensky, Polyansky and Sinaisky! Hip hip for the Piano Concerti and Violin Concerto (his most popular piece?)..... Thanks Dave for doing justice to one of my FAVORITES.

[@martinhaub6828]

Love this music. When I drive from Phoenix to LA I take the symphonies - all of them time out just right. In 50 years of going to concerts I've only encountered the 4th (once) and the 5th (twice). Audiences sure enjoy them; it's the uneducated, unimaginative conductors holding things up. Unfortunately, the symphonies are not easy to play; amateur orchestras mostly aren't up to it. I have all these sets, but I still return to Jarvi, glib he can be.

[@johnmontanari6857]

FYI: The Serebrier box is available as CDs or download from Presto, or CD-quality streaming from Tidal and Qobuz.

[@DavidJohnson-of3vh]

Thank you! I did not know much of that. I'll purchase some of this.

[@nb2816]

I concur with your enthusiasm for the Jarvi cycle. Those were the first recordings of these works I encountered, and they have remained my favorites. The bane of Glazunov's symphonic style is his over-reliance on sequential writing to fill time and keep things going, and this can make large stretches of the music appear aimless. Jarvi understands how to handle this problem with judicious pacing and an intrinsic feel for the overall large structure. None of the other conductors really understands how to handle this issue like Jarvi does.

[@richardcaffyn6884]

Really enjoyed your excellent overview of recordings of Glazunov's symphonies, placing the cycle in its historic context. I have a soft spot for Fedosyev's cycle as it was the first I ever came across. Also, I enjoy Khaikin's version of the 3rd & Mravinsky's of the 4th, though Otaka & Serebrier are certainly preferable as complete cycles. Might you look at the symphonic poems sometime soon? 'The Kremlin' is a terrific work if played with the fluidity you suggest is essential to Glazunov. Thanks again for an intelligent & insightful review.

[@bigg2988]

I chuckled at "Go for Glazunov!" These bits are what make your reviews and talks so entertaining. Someone should adopt this as the motto for the "next" Glazunov promotion campaign (whenever there was one?..). What is his nearest anniversary, now? 2025? I also felt pretty lucky when you informed that the Serebrier cycle I got for basically peanuts at Amazon some 3 years ago is actually out of print! How fast things change! Well you inspire me to get back and give a good listen to 'em, which I'll probably do. Who can sit on such a praised possession and not play it. ;)))

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sorry, it's back in print.

[@mrmrosullivan]

1. Like the new shirt design. 2. The Serebrier is on Amazon and the ebay sellers who post to Australia at low cost like Rarewaves who are being kept in business by your videos. Very, very tempting.

[@lewtaratua1719]

That tamtam sounds like Rank organisation title. I like this one best.

[@jeffwanser5727]

I find myself in agreement with your ranking. I started listening to Glazunov with the Naxos releases. I enjoyed them very much, but there always seemed to be something missing. Then I heard Serebrier conducting #5, and I was amazed! Of course, when the set came out, I had to grab it. Now I have to go investigate the others. Thanks!

[@UlfilasNZ]

Most helpful talk, thank you! I thought you were going to break into song at "Craazy..."

[@danielo.masson353]

Thank you for introducing to this exquisite music. Apart excerpts from The Seasons and Raymonda, and a quite good account of the Pastoral under Mihkel Kütson on the German radio had little idea. I like the way Jarvi seems to transform the sound of the Bamberg Orchestra, judging from the samples. Will definitely consider an investment.

[@dizwell]

Excellent new tam-tam: thank you!! It does make you look a bit like a Byzantine Patriarch, but that's just fine (and better than the previous alternative!) :) It sounds wonderful. I had the Fedoseyev cycle first and was fine with it. I also have the Tadaaki Otaka cycle on BIS with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, which I enjoy a lot. But, I shall be hunting down the Järvi as soon as I can, I think. So thanks for the suggestion.

[@vilebrequin6923]

That tamtam looks wonderful and sounds even better!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@alanmcginn4796]

Dave and guys below. The Serebrier IS available on Amazon for $24, $28 for digital download. I have this set and it is wonderful. The piano concertos are hidden gems IMHO. Also, the Otaka is on Amazon digital download for $6.99 for the whole set!! I just purchased and I am listening to Glazunov 1 as we speak.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Hmmmm.

[@alanmcginn4796]

@@DavesClassicalGuide oh yes!! Symphony no 3 is going now (I am on the phone for work a lot so have to pause and play all the time). Impressed so far.

[@federicorodriguez7222]

Serebrier`s recording mentioned here is available in Apple Music now, in case nobody mentioned before. I am just starting with Glazunov symphonies. So I'll start with them because you said those would be your first choice if they were available. Also because I have seen Serebrier in concert and he was kind enough to autograph one of my CD's of him conducting Stokowsky's orchestrations. Thanks for the review.

[@adosvocesmusical]

Hi David, first of all my very best wishes for 2023. Hope it's full of health and good music. Will love to chat to you if I visit NYC. Want to say thanks for all your videos and insights. I think Glazunov has wonderful symphonies, on a Russian-Epic style. He's along Tchaikovsky the other great Russian symphonist of the 19th century. Have to disagree a little with your Fedoseyev set's assesment; perhaps it's the best played Glazunov Soviet set (compare for example No.2 's finale with Rozhdestvensky's blatant orchestra, including terrible trumpets) I think he shapes the music pretty good and he doesn't use slow tempi overall, in fact he's exciting in No. 1, 3, 5 and 6, for example. In contrast Serebrier (who has fine performances of No.,6, 7 and 8) is sometimes too hard driven losing some details (for example in No.5's final movement where timpani seems to play at the same dynamics). Nontheless, it's a matter of taste. Happy listening !

[@bradencutright-head6629]

I found the Serebrier on Apple Music, and wow! What a great set!

[@randylane7119]

Glazunov often comes to my mind when ruminating about composers not performed by (or at least not recorded by) a given conductor. How might Berglund have sounded in Glazunov? Previn? Markevitch? Münch? Monteux? Maybe Segerstam?

[@_H_2023]

I'm so glad you mentioned the quality of the recordings, I gave up buying Penguin Guide and Gramophone long ago purely because they always talked about the tempo and standard of playing but never anything to do with the acoustics and quality of the recordings and it was that reason I was always disappointed when I'd purchased a CD only to find terrible editing mistakes or just really bad mike set ups on the sound engineers part. Good example Decca Beethoven 5th Ashkenazy clearly they had to retake this several times and the editing doesn't match. Doors closing in the Decca Ashkenazy Chopin vol 8 and how many times do they place the orchestra the wrong way around ie got the pots wrong on the mixing desk so it feels like your on stage ie violins RH speaker! So yes I bought the Glazunov Symph No8 Orfeo in 1984 and your correct is has a wonderful recording and it was recommended back then not by the Penguin/Gramophone but by the record dealer I bought my CD's from. Great review look forward to many more and I'll replace my old Olympia set for this Neeme Jarvi set.

[@classicalduck]

What a stroke of good luck! Today at Amoeba Music in Hollywood, California, I found and bought the Serebrier box, for $14.99 plus tax. I'm looking forward to hearing it.

[@hiphurrah1]

Just got the Serebrier AND the Jarvi box...started with the Jarvi box. Fantastic and underrated music. Got to symf no 4, a masterpiece!! I saw that Mengelberg and the Concertgebouw did it 43 times, must have been a favorite. Thanks Dave for bringing this wonderful music to my attention.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Great! Thanks for the update.

[@PelmetsAreAwesome]

A Glazunov symphony cycle vid? This channel rocks! If anyone is interested in the Serebrier box, they must have put it back in print recently. I just picked it up new for 30 bucks on Amazon.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, it's back!

[@GastonBulbous]

Terrific! I enjoyed this video, and that rather pricey Jarvi set definitely goes on the wishlist. It sounds amazing. I already have the Otaka and Fedoseyev sets, but my hands-down favorite cycle somehow escaped your purview: Rozhdestvensky’s! Yes, there *is* a good Russian Glazunov cycle. I sampled some of the Serebrier online, and my first impression is that Rozh may have influenced his approach, which is similarly lively, dancing, colorful and unabashedly romantic. But is the Scottish National Orchestra the equal of Rozh’s USSR Ministry of Culture forces as a generator of lush, beautiful sound? I would buy the Serebrier set for side-by-side comparison, but I think I’d rather save up for the Jarvi. It really sounds lovely. Thanks again for doing this Glazunov video!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I find Rozhdestvensky to be drab, heavy, and dull, actually--better the Fedoseyev, Svetlanov or Polyansky, but still nothing special. As for "lush, beautiful sound" coming from the USSR Ministry of Culture orchestra? You must be joking!

[@GastonBulbous]

When the engineers get it right, those old Soviet orchestras sound huge! I love that sound! I just listened to Glazunov’s 4th back-to-back in versions by Serebrier and Rozhdestvensky, and in this piece at least, Rozh is lively and focused and his orchestra gives the thinner-sounding Scottish outfit a thorough run for its money in this lush orchestration. I guess that’s what makes horse races!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@GastonBulbous Indeed!

[@alasdairthomas5603]

Thanks for another great talk, Dave. But you missed off a Russian! How about Polyansky, originally on Chandos, later on Brilliant? I have it in addition to the Serebrier and quite enjoy it. You also get a couple of cantatas, some other orchestral music and the violin concerto into the bargain. It might be OOP, though.

[@AlexMadorsky]

Although not my favorite, I like the Polyansky cycle quite a bit. The acoustics are excellent, for one thing.

[@alasdairthomas5603]

@@AlexMadorsky thinking about it, it is not actually complete. The 8th in the Brilliant box comes from the Otaaka BIS cycle. Maybe that’s why it didn’t make this video…

[@AlexMadorsky]

@@alasdairthomas5603 ah, that does sound vaguely familiar.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

It didn't make it into the video because it is OOP, and beyond that, Polyansky is, generally, a dreadful conductor. The performances are pretty lousy. I'm not sure if it was complete or not. I gave up a few discs in.

[@Jeff-wb3hh]

@@alasdairthomas5603 It's actually the 7th that is missing from Polyansky and done by Otaka in the Brilliant Box. Polyansky does have much more relaxed tempos than Jarvi, but then Jarvi always seems to have faster tempos than other conductors. I have the 2nd with Polyansky and with Jarvi. I'll now listen to both and see for myself which one I like better. I'll report back in an a couple of hours.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Hear the gong resound through the Tibetan valleys, people, and gather round as the Great Buddha with the sunburst behind him tells us about the man from the Russian lands, Glazunov.

[@peterrobertbowers7639]

I’ve always loved Alexander Glazanov and the vast repertoire of music that he wrote. Raymonda is my favourite ballet; with Neeme Jarvi at the helm. And also when it comes to the symphonies that Glazanov wrote too. The few opening bars of the 1st symphony… are NOT slow, like they are on most recordings that are available. This particular version is the correct tempo. And the music doesn’t sound dry. It sounds rich… and pretty well spaced out, in the recording venue chosen. The later symphonies sound different to the (earlier ones.. in which are my favourite) I’m a very sentimental person. Very nostalgic; i find some of the music quite sad ( mixed emotions) and like Sergei Rachmaninov’s piano concertos… i always have to have the tissues ready. The 2nd movement of Glazunov’s 2nd symphony.. resembles that of Rachmaninov’s 2nd piano concerto. The tissues are always ready. Wednesday pm 6th September 2023. Southampton England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@cpeters6494]

The Fedoseyev cycle was my introduction to these pieces - and it's a shame that first impressions are so important, because those performances didn't win me for the music, to say the least. I tried some Serebrier later, but I'll need some more listening sessions to repel the idea from my mind that these symphonies are academic and boring - something that the Fedoseyev cycle put in my head. Funny how those work, first impressions. Years ago I heard some people praising Taneyev's 4th symphony to heaven, it being a true Russian masterpiece. So I tried the Svetlanov disk. Oh boy. All the cliches about soviet recordings turned to 11. So far for Taneyev. Maybe a better performance will convince me of the piece's quality, but it will have to come a long way... One symphony in Fedoseyev's cycle I found convincing though, the 2nd. Maybe because it's the heaviest and most serious of the 8, probably because it was intended as an epitaph for Franz Liszt. An impressive piece, I think it's my favorite Glazunov symphony (but then again, I need more listening to Serebrier).

[@kylejohnson8877]

Regarding Taneyev’s 4th Symphony, look no further than Järvi’s magnificent recording with the Philharmonia on Chandos. They make it sound like a masterpiece!

[@cpeters6494]

@@kylejohnson8877 Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out!

[@davidhollingsworth1847]

I too find Fedoseyev's rendition of the 2nd Symphony the highlight of the set (with the Sixth a close runner up). But overall, I find the series quite impressive, if not all that well recorded. But Serebrier is the reference set out there.

[@hiphurrah1]

Wow with this tam tam you look like Le Roi Soleil :-)

[@marklee5777]

Thanks for talking about Glazunov and especially the concertos. I have always liked Dmitrii Alekseev's performance of the Second Piano Concerto. Gosh, what beautiful music. Maybe the closing pages of the last movement are little bombastic. But so what. It's still very beautiful. And to think it was premiered after the Communists took over and he was the head of the Petersburg Conservatory. I seem to remember, but I could be wrong, that he dedicated the work to Lenin! Anything to keep the Concervatory going. Mark Lee Austin Tx

[@yvonnekoopman8598]

FYI, the Serebrier (Warner) is currently available on Amazon at half the price of the Jaarvi. Go figure.

[@andreashelling3076]

Thank you for doing this review , u are right Gs music has some lightness or something that those russians u mentioned didn't get. For me Borodin and Gliere (not Muromets though ) are very close in there language and Korsakov in his craftmanship , the melodic material not very rich but how handle it is th thing !

[@sybedijkstra1]

for anyone who is interested in the Serebrier set, it is at this moment -March 2022- availabe at for example Amazon

[@consul4140]

The Serebrier box is readily available at Amazon Germany (both as CD and as MP3)!

[@TheNewFlutist]

Thank you telling people to stay away from Naxos Glazunov. Those symphonic interpretations are such a turn off. Very ill-advised tempo choices, a tepid kind of color to the sound, and plenty of wrong notes per symphony recording. I'm much more fond of Svetlanov recordings, I think he was the most skilled in Glazunov of all the Russian conductors. You HAVE to check out his complete Raymonda ballet recording, there's nothing more exciting than that

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

That I agree--his non-symphonic recordings generally are terrific. Les ruses d'amour is also fantastic.

[@masive1498]

When i first heard Glazunov on the radio i took a chance and purchased the Jarvi edition on Itunes because of the cover. Glad I made the right choice.

[@brucemiller5356]

in the 'if at first you don't succeed' dept, i went back to amazon, and in 5 less than 5 minutes got the matter taken care of and the glazunov set, which d.w. said was a good one, ordered. and as i say, there are more where that came from.

[@WMAlbers1]

I'd love to hear more about those tan-tams. How they are selected for the repertoire, wich kinds there are, maybe some nice examples of their (mis)use e.o. Would you not make a separate talk about it.???

[@petejilka968]

As of April 2024, there are plenty of Seberier box sets available at the usual places at a very good price. The Jarvi box seems no longer available.

[@janecooper8881]

The Serebrier set now appears to be back again. Its available at Amazon UK and at only half the price of the Jarvi set and has 3 more CDs worth of music.

[@neiltheblaze]

I picked up the Naxos series when it was new, and I'm not disappointed with them, although I recognized at the time that the orchestra and the recordings could be a little wooly. But at the time, I don't think I'd ever seen more than three of the symphonies in the Glazunov bin at Tower records. There were several recordings of The Seasons or one or two Raymondas and some other random things, otherwise, nada. I knew of no other cycles at the time, so I snapped these up since they were very inexpensive, and I was curious. Naxos is a great label that allowed me to explore music I likely wouldn't have touched otherwise, even if they were often with obscure little orchestras I'd never heard of. All to say - the Naxos recordings aren't all that bad.

[@amirahmadazhieh2510]

Will you ever give a talk on his violin concerto too? I am curious about your thoughts on the piece as you didn't include it in either of your ideal 19th or 20th-century violin concerto lists; would you perhaps not consider it a great piece? I'm also curious as to what you would think of the various recordings of it which could be superficially categorized into the more Romantic interpretations as perhaps best represented by Oistrakh's playing of it vs. the more "rapturous" and faster recordings of Milstein-Heifetz, and the younger violinists?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I will get to it, eventually. I see no need to rush.

[@mfkush2931]

David: The Serebrier cycle is apparently still in print ... or at least its in stock and available from Presto for $32.25 for the CDs. No download is listed. I don't think I've ever listened to Glazounov before seeing your video but I think I'll take a listen now.

[@mfkush2931]

Actually the Serebrier MP3 download is listed as a separate item for $30 (and $39 for FLAC)

[@michaellodico8320]

The world needs your take on the Myaskovsky symphonies, another neglected symphonist, though who knows if the neglect is shameful?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I don't think it is, but we'll see.

[@davesmusictank1]

Just checked ... the Serebrier box is available on Amazon UK

[@eduardogonzalez5872]

Great video!!! I love Glazunov’s symphonies. David, Do you know the Rodeszvensky’s cycle??? Somewhere I read that it’s wonderful....

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

It's not.

[@johnmontanari6857]

P.S. Isn't there an old joke about Brahms marking one of his pieces "moderato ma non troppo?" Maybe that's the right tempo for Glazunov.

[@bigg2988]

A good one!

[@MrInterestingthings]

tam-tam are remarkable . They make many many different kinds of sounds . The violin concerto is truly interesting as is the saxophone concerto . I like him now more than Rachmaninoff . Rach is too much everywhere in other people's music and we grow up with it in film music . Korngold too is great stuff ! 1881 -1906 but he lived a long time . Ive heard more Glazunov than Rimsky .I wonder what Im missing .Arensly trio, Cui?

[@AlexMadorsky]

I’m listening to the Jarvi cycle right now and it’s even better than I remembered. Still looking for something he conducted that I don’t like…and coming up empty.

[@MegaVicar]

I heard his violin concerto a few years back and was always curious about his symphonies. Thanks for this! I got the Serebrier and am currently listening to the scherzo of the Third symphony. I like Serebrier’s view of Glazunov as a ‘Russian Brahms’, but I need to hear more of his tone poems or chamber music to see if it’s accurate. Any recommendations?

[@elagabalus-imperator]

St. David, Baroque Emperor of Naxos - love the tam-tam, too!

[@bobk4402]

Serebrier seems to be back in print ($27 on amazon)

[@jgesselberty]

Just bought the Serebrier cycle on Amazon. Good price and it's back.

[@gregstanton7321]

It's all great music! The Serebrier set is available on iTunes for $30.

[@baldevis]

I'm a Glazunov fanatic. I have all the symphony cycles...and i do mean all, including the one you didnt mention (Rozhdestvensky on Melodiya...I don't think you'd like it). They all have their great moments, but I agree that Jarvi's is superb.

[@stephenbates5237]

I see a holy incarnation. But with a beard. Glazunov 4th.. good first step into his oeuvre, pastorale..esq. I shall keep listening for inspiration. Thank you.

[@fulltongrace7899]

Yes I agree interesting symphony, especially the moody opening and oboe solo.

[@michaeldunlap2693]

Maybe someone (even Dave!) can answer this for me. In Glazunov's Fourth Symphony, first movement, -8.5 mins in there's a "piu' agitato" followed two measures later by "passionato." In every recording I hear, there is either not much change in tempo, or the piu agitato is slowed way down. I would think agitato would imply a push of tempo, slackening the tempo in the passionato.

[@spqr369]

Serebrier is in print and can be purchased through an Amazon (USA) re-seller. I picked these up months ago on David's recommendation and i'm happy to say I did. Terrific!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

That means it's not in print, at least over here, but none of it means anything anymore, the market is so screwed up.

[@spqr369]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Np, I didn't realize the difference.

[@markhuff9027]

I purchased the Serebrier cycle from Amazon (not a re-seller) only about four months back for around $28. I truly do not understand what’s going on in the classical recording industry lately. Albums are increasingly hard to find and the re-sell market is all over the place price-wise. I’ve even been seeing individual discs priced as high as $900. Are there actually people crazy enough to pay such prices???!!!!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@markhuff9027 I hope not. I don't understand it at all.

[@alanmcginn4796]

@@markhuff9027 I have seen the $900 nonsense also. It really doesn't make sense. But you guys have to remember, many of these labels are really wanting us to convert to the digital product rather than the physical product - quicker to get to market, cheaper to distribute etc...and for many of us, cheaper to purchase. I can eventually see boxes such as the Ormandy box be available completely on digital download also. Just the way the market is moving.

[@lukesinclair4337]

Fear not Spotify users! Serebrier is available!

[@ABC_Guest]

Hmm... I happened to listen to the Concert Waltz No. 2 from that Jarvi/Bamberg set a couple days ago, and to me, it was shockingly dry/lacking in passion. That said, Jarvi is typically my go-to for Russian music, so maybe that was a one-off. The excerpts you played were nice, I particularly liked the one for 2nd symphony.

[@johnwright7557]

Glad to have watched your Glazunov talk. However, I cannot identify a Glazunov sound. He sounds a little like Tchaikovsky at times and at others like Rimsky. I agree he was a fine orchestrator, but I can never identify his voice. Maybe it’s just me and I will try again, especially after your discussion.

[@fulltongrace7899]

I have had the same experience. Yes he is definitely a skilled orchestrator and musical colourist. His ballet music sounds so different from the symphonies, maybe because of different genres? I find the 2nd and 4th symphonies my favourite so far, but still exploring the Serebrier set.

[@johns9624]

Great video. We need reminders that classical music doesn't always have to stretch and shake us emotionally or intellectually and just because something was written in year dot but sounds like it was done forty years earlier, that doesn't rule it out as a worthwhile musical experience. Bed-of-nails music has its place, but so do well-crafted and instantly appealing pieces.

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Would love to know professional relationship between Glaz and Borodin. The former, Glaz, orchestrated, revised, finished works by the former, Borodin. I also believe the genius of BORODIN greatly influenced the more experienced GLAZ.

[@Jeff-wb3hh]

Dear David Hurwitz, How do you like the Glazunov cycle by Valeri Polyansky and the Russian State Symphony Orchestra on Chandos (only No. 7 is missing), later reissued on Brilliant, and still available used on both labels?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

See the comments please. It is discussed pretty extensively.

[@Jeff-wb3hh]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Found it, thank you.

[@jacquesracine9571]

Serebrier is available on Qobuz and Tidal

[@williamwhittle216]

I have the Warner Serbrier box, too, but the photo of him on the box differs from the one you show.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

That makes all the difference.

[@francispanny5068]

I would love to get the Serebrier set except that if I get the set, I don't get the liner notes detailing each work. You have to go online to look for the liner notes for this recording. I did and could not find them at all. So good luck with that. As Dull as Fedoseyev is, at least you get a synopsis of what each work is all about.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Can I be honest? If you would prefer a bad performance with notes to a great one without, then you really aren't interested in the music. You have all the tools you need simply by listening, and basic notes or descriptions of each work are readily available online. But, as they say, it's your nickel.

[@francispanny5068]

@@DavesClassicalGuide I guess that's true. I could look anywhere. I was planning on getting this one, anyway, so, other than Wikipedia, I can look elsewhere. I guess I overreacted when I saw the complaints elsewhere about their being on synopsis on each work here. Thanks for setting me straight.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@francispanny5068 Sure thing. I was just surprised seeing that coming from you--I know that's not the way you listen!

[@steve.schatz]

You crack me up. Ever try standup?

[@brucemiller5356]

when i first began to buy classical lp's, the bamburg symphony recordings were always the cheapest by far, so i thought they had to be the worst. but i may well have been wrong, and certainly the glazunov cycle proves they are a fine orchestra

[@brucemiller5356]

and in fact, these symphonies are marvelous. especially the fourth, which is truly lovely.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

I have some of these cycles. The Polyansky is just plain boring from start to end. Serebrier is spectacular. I like Svetlanov a bit more than you, but I certainly see you points regarding his approach. That said, I find his finale to the 5th to be the most bracing I've heard, but then...one movement does not a complete cycle make. Now....I need to get Jarvi.

[@Cesar_SM]

What about Rozhdestvensky's cycle?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Dull, heavy, and hard to find. Not worth discussing.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

My public library has that and it doesn't hurt to give it a try, though David is largely correct. It's oddly uninspired. If I recall correctly Fedoseyev's and Svetlanov's had some good moments.

[@aatim2308]

I like how you punch any conductors without hesitation if they deserve it. Fedoseyev is a VIP in Russia and considered to be a notable conductor. But he's almost unknown outside post-soviet countries and not surprisingly so. Also good to know that anti-nationalistic approach has won in this review. Some conductors think they know how to do better only based off the fact they have the same nationality as a composer. How many times I heard that "westerners" did russian music the wrong way. Oh my gosh... Let them take away that bullsh*t.

[@monsterlove2323]

Isn’t the correct term a “gong”? Where did the tam tam come from?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

No They can be used interchangeably, but in modern parlance "tam-tam" is used for unpitched instruments, "gong" for pitched instruments. Technically the tam-tam, a kind of gong, comes from China, whereas various kinds of pitched gongs are common throughout the Far East, especially Indonesia and Thailand. In Western music, the term "tam-tam" actually precedes "gong." The earliest orchestral scores asking for the instrument (notably by Gossec) come from France and date from around the time of the French Revolution. All refer specifically to the tam-tam. The confusion as to terminology only happened later in the 19th century because British composers, for some reason, called tam-tams "gongs" in their scores.

[@jeffreywillson6275]

What do you make of the fact that Symphonies 4-7 are in E-Flat, B-Flat, C Minor, and F, respectively, the same keys as Beethoven's Symphonies 3-6?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Nothing, to be honest.

[@ewmbr1164]

If it weren't for the mallet the tam tam makes for an impressive halo...:-)

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I think the mallet is essential. There's a limit to how God-like even I want to look.

[@janveselak9324]

Estonian close enough to understand the russian but far enough to play glazanov's cosmopolitan style. Best of both worlds