Repertoire: IDEAL Romantic Russian Symphonies (Not By Tchaikovsky)

[@AlexMadorsky]

I have to say it warms my heart to see so many Kalinnikov fans come out of the woodwork! One can only imagine the greatness he may have achieved had he lived longer.

[@brucemiller5356]

so agreed. i was driving one day, and heard this...what sounded like a russian symphony. when i got to the target parking lot--which is funny sorta--i listened to the ending. i had never heard of Kalinnikov, but quickly bought a disc of his two symphonies, something i almost NEVER do. they are so lovely, made more so, i think, by his short life. oh, had he lived longer...interesting that both p. Tchaikovsky and s. rachmaninoff aided him, esp. rachmaninoff near the end and after his death. if the two greatest russian composers (okay i know that will be an area of disagreement) find another composer's work worthy, that is saying something.

[@chrismoule7242]

You only need to hear the 2nd subject of the 1st movement of the 1st to know what he could do..

[@jackson-hh7ou]

Yes! Great to hear you talk about Kalinnikov, he’s terribly underplayed

[@vaclavmiller8032]

Totally agree. His first symphony is an absolute dream.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Agreed!

[@petejilka968]

You're more likely to hear hear the Kalinnikov First Symphony from your local community orchestra as it its a staple of these orchestras. I have performed it several times. It is fun to play and the audiences always love it!

[@markzacek237]

I think Kalinnikov’s second is every bit as appealing as the first, despite received opinion. Bakels on Bis is excellent too. Kalinnikov is top of my list for the great Russian might-have-been. He had a sad, consumptive life of abject poverty.

[@bomcabedal]

@@markzacek237 The tragedy is that he was also getting much better very quickly just before he died. To me, his best piece is the poem The Cedar and the Palm, one of his last works.

[@lovettboston]

My wife is from St. Petersburg, and she loves Kalinnikov's 1st. Whenever I hear the slow movement, I think of an evening on a dacha about 30 miles from the city. Somewhere between 6 and 7 pm, you have the far-flung antiphony of barking dogs. But it still takes a few more hours before it gets dark, and a few more shots of vodka before you finish chopping firewood to feed the samovar for making tea. Night settles in with insect sounds and a swarm of stars overhead that would be obscured by the city's light pollution. Some of the atmosphere has been spoiled by post-Soviet extravagance, but you can still find a residue of the no-frills dacha experience: the people at the train station heading back to the city with baskets of mushrooms just picked in the forest, or the 80+ year-old woman with flowers from her own plot that she needs to sell so she can supplement her meagre pension. Sometimes you feel you're still back in the 19th century--and a contemporary of Kalinnikov.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank you for sharing that lovely image!

[@melodymaker135]

That Kalinnikov is so haunting and perfect. Reminds me a tiny bit of the second movement of Bizet’s symphony.

[@nileshart922]

I would like very much to see an episode on the Borodin 2nd. It's been one of my absolute favorites over the years.

[@ammcello]

I love Kalinnikov 1. I’m always trying to convince school and youth orchestras to do it. So much to be learned without the technical barriers of Tchaik! (I also think the same of Berwald 3 though not Russian)

[@ThankYouKiwi]

Yes thank you for giving Glazunov the high praise he truly deserves!! His second Symphony is another favorite of mine.

[@kanpette]

David’s "Hello, friends" always gets me in a good mood.

[@thomasmcgorry2176]

There is no other classical music critic who explores in such depth such a vast range, reminding us music lovers of the infinite world of this repertoire. I hope you appreciate how good you are.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You're very kind. Thank you.

[@ronaldgoodwin9206]

I was staying in a hotel in Mendocino some time ago. The hotel had a swimming pool in a greenhouse, atrium setting. I went to swim in the evening. There was a rare hail storm that evening which turned into snow, very unusual for Mendocino. When I came into the greenhouse, there was already music playing. I swam and listened but could not place the composer. The music was romantic and I loved it, especially accompanied by hail. When the music finished, the announcer said it was Taneyev’s 4th Symphony. I agree, it’s a great romantic symphony.

[@johannesbluemink4581]

I also love this symphony.

[@pietstamitz1]

Thanks for this nice review! Rimsky Korsakov 3 is very, very beautiful, as is Glazunov 3 (and 5 and 7 of course). Maybe Myaskovsky could also be discussed one time, he wrote many beautiful symphonies and is rather unknown.

[@BorjaVarona_at_YT]

I agree on the list, but I miss Myaskovsky, Gliere and Lyapunov. Maybe they were left out because they are not strictly romantic nineteenth century people. I love Gliere's 2 and 3 and Lyapunov's 2, even more than some of Glazunov. Anyway, it is a pity that Balakirev, Kalinikov, Taneyev and Borodin are so much overlooked and underplayed 'in the West'.

[@pietstamitz1]

@@BorjaVarona_at_YT he did a good review on Gliere 3, (that impossible but in several spots great and splendid work) but Lyapunov indeed could be an item too.

[@skafir8622]

Korsakov 3 is really close to me, it is just wonderful (my favorites are the first two movements), and sadly pretty underrared..

[@robt0007]

In recent years, Theodore Kuchar has been the conductor of the Fresno Philharmonic. And, on one occasion I had an opportunity to have lunch with Mr. Kuchar. During that meeting I suggested that he might consider performing one the Kalinnikov symphonies. During his last concert of his last season with the orchestra, he conducted the first symphony to rousing success. I have been aware of the Kalinnikov first symphony since I taped if from an old Soviet recording from the early 1950's that I found at the university library.

[@Bezart34]

The Kalinnikov on Naxos - a fabulous little CD. In fact, I'd forgotten about it, lurking in the murky depths of the 'K' section on my shelves!

[@francispanny5068]

Jarvi had better sound and a more rousing orchestra.

[@johannesbluemink4581]

I was in New-York in 1990 and attended a concert of his 1st Symphony. Bought a CD the very next day, a Melodia disc, with the Russian Academic Orchestra, conducted by E. Svetlanov. What a joy to listen to!

[@carlosshosta9040]

Great review... I´d add Scriabin´s 2nd symphony which i enjoy a lot.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Well, technically he did 5 symphonies and I want to do him separately, but you're right. It certainly could be on the list.

[@carlosshosta9040]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Grechaninov´s 1st symphony was another big surprise for me. In the Kalinnikov´s league.

[@adrianoseresi3525]

Holy hell that Kalinnikov is remarkable! Never heard anything quite like it.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, it's very beautiful.

[@baltoman24]

Thank you so much for your thoughts on all of these excellent and overlooked symphonies. Years ago, I was a member of the American Glazunov Society [pre-internet] and the goal was to spread the word and encourage new recordings. The founder Donald Venturini, was dynamic and always interesting to hear his thoughts, but sadly died before the great flowering of recordings came about. Today is a "golden age" at least in terms of recordings. Your presentations on all musical subjects are so enjoyable- thanks for all of them!

[@lordsoulis]

I've been a fan of Balakirev and Kalinnikov especially for years, in fact, I just loaned my Kalinnikov CD to a friend of mine to demonstrate how wonderful his symphonies are! Thank you very much!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thanks for sharing!

[@geraldmartin7703]

Thank you so much for the Kalinnikov excerpt. I was alerted to the work-- and specifically that movement -- decades ago by of all people, Allan Sherman ("HELLO MUDDAH, HELLO FADDAH"), guesting on classical music station WDTM-FM in Detroit. Sherman requested that the host play the second movement and was incensed when told the station did not have a recording of the symphony in its library.

[@HassoBenSoba]

No Kidding!

[@AlexMadorsky]

Thanks so much for doing this video, Dave! As you know, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this one. This is my very favorite part of the classical repertoire and I have nearly all of these wonderful symphonies on CD and/or vinyl. The Balakirev symphonies are just marvelous and as with so many of these others, deserves to be standard rep, same with Kalinnikov. Borodin 2’s greatness almost goes without saying, and I highly recommend Ansermet with the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande. (you get the excellent symphony 3 [really 2.5] with it too). And yes, the NRK Malaysian BIS box is just a delight!

[@altpapapi]

I am so glad you mentioned Vasily Kalinnikov. I listen often to both of his symphonies. He was the makings of a great composer, worked with Tchaikovsky. Mostly I see the first symphony, but my favorite is the second, which is filled with so much joy.

[@tonytaylor3476]

Thank you so much for introducing me to the two remarkable symphonies of Kalinnikov. It’s one of those “where has it been all my life” experiences. I bought the Jarvi new for a mere £5 and talk about money well spent. The best purchase for many a year, thank you David, it’s a delight.

[@derphysiker1774]

One of my secret favorites is Alexander Kopylov's Symphony c-minor. Stylistically very similar to Kalinnikov, but written a couple of years earlier, in 1888.

[@dranfox]

I discovered most of this music years ago through Svetlanov's Anthology of Russian Symphonic Music. The recordings were hard to find, to put it mildly, and the performances were variable, but they were good enough to turn me on to the music. Svetlanov recorded all of Glazunov's orchestral works as part of the anthology. The symphonies are great, but the real hidden treasures are in the tone poems, orchestral suites and overtures. The Glazunov recordings were released as three 6-CD sets a while back. Then Melodiya boxed up the entire Svetlanov anthology a couple of years ago in two big boxes plus a smaller third box, about 120 discs total, for an absolutely obscene price that would drive any sane person away. I, uh, suspect they sold exactly one of each. 😉

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, I have them. Some of the digitals sounded very good, and it was a surprise.

[@tubapress]

I really love the Jarvi recording of the Kalinnikovs with Royal Scottish, myself. Jarvi had a real touch with lesser-known works like the 2 Kalinnikov Symphonies (The 2 discs he made of Music from Estonia with the same band is a wonderful example, especially the Symphony #1 of Kaljo Raid!). I'll have to give the Kuchar version a listen. Thanks for these video reviews, David. We in many ways, I think, have similar taste!

[@BVcello]

These are always the most fun videos, Dave... At least to me. Thanks a lot, keep them coming! No zeros in this repertoire, fortunately.

[@jokinboken]

I've been spending part of my Friday listening online to the Jarvi set of Glazunov 8 symphonies and incidental works (Bavarian Radio for 1, 5 and 8, Bamberg for the rest). Beautiful works - thank you for the introduction to them, David!

[@craigkowald3055]

Great list. I have performed the Kalinnikov 1st and Glazunov 5th and can vouch for them. Beautiful and lots of fun to play. Was scheduled to perform the Borodin 2d and Rachmaninoff 2d PC last Spring, but the concert was canceled due to Covid 19. I really was looking forward to that. And the Mahler 9 that was canceled. Argh

[@Cesar_SM]

Taneyev's 4th Symphony under Järvi (on Chandos) is a knockout of a performance. It also includes the stunning Oresteia prelude. A terrific disc overall.

[@songsmith31a]

Glazunov's "The Seasons" is a favourite - with my introduction being a Decca bargain price Ace of Clubs LP with a very virile enjoyable recording in mono from yesteryear. Kalinnikov was a late memorable discovery that like the Glazunov work bears repeated listening. The Naxos recording of 1 & 2 is one of their best bargains!

[@providence51]

Thanks for video I discovered three new composers so nice to hear new music lol

[@bomcabedal]

"Tada-tatatata-tatatatatada -- fweep! tatatatatada -- fweep!" is going to be my next ringtone.

[@frankgyure3154]

Great subject. I happen to have a CD of Borodin’s symphonies(Ashkenazy,RPO,Decca) and just happened to listen to it couple of weeks ago and I enjoyed it. I guess I’ll be checking out the others you mentioned. Thank you.

[@jorge5150]

Kees Bakels also recorded the Kalinnikov symphonies. And there is a Glazunov cycle by Tadaaki Otaka. Both on BIS.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, I mentioned the BIS cycle.

[@markfarrington5183]

Fantastic talk...I would also mention Beecham's Balakirev 1st. So happy you featured the Kuchar Kalinnikov disc...A hidden gem.

[@johannesbluemink4581]

I am also very fond of R. Glière's 3rd Symphony. He was a Russian Composer of Belgian descent and was born in Kiev, Ukraine. The Naxos CD has a 75 minute version, although I read that L. Stokowsky recorded a circa 45 minute Version, which was more satisfying, haha.

[@francispanny5068]

I was so blown away by the Taneyev recording of the 4th Symphony that I just purchased the recording by Jarvi and the Philharmonia. Not really distinctive, but the sound was excellent and the orchestra played beautifully. I loved the ending of the 4th movement, which overwhelmed me with emotion.

[@brucemiller5356]

i believe it was rimsky-korsakov who, after the playing of his first symphony, was called out by an enthusuastic audience, who were stunned when a young man in navy uniform appeared. if the 1st is a student work, it is far from forgettable. i like all 3.

[@jasonquinlan731]

Borodin's Symphony No.2 might be my favorite Russian symphony period. I wholeheartedly recommend Jean Martinon's account with the London Symphony Orchestra.

[@shostakovich343]

What a good concept. We could use one of these for Swedish (or generally Scandinavian) composers.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

That's a good idea...

[@eugenebraig413]

I'm a nut for Scandinavian and Finnish symphonies.

[@markzacek237]

Eugene Braig , I think Gade’s eighth is an absolute gem.

[@mogmason6920]

Holy shit! That Kalinnikov symphony is beautiful! Has a real Sibelius-esque quality to it, with a bit of late Wagner’s lighter, melodic side thrown in for good measure!

[@edwardronayne6067]

Yours is a nice overview of quality Russian symphonic literature. If you ever revisit the topic of Russian symphonists, you might give Anton Rubinstein a spin. I am a piano worshipper, but I think Rubinstein’s symphonic output is significantly superior to his piano concerti-in every conceivable respect. I appreciate what you’re doing and look forward to further musical adventures with you.

[@brucejensen2693]

Jarvi did a nice set of Rimsky-Korsakov symphonies on DG with a couple of popular tone poems. Enjoyable. I'll bet the Zinman is boffo.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, I mentioned the Jarvi in the vid. Problem was, Antar was nothing special.

[@brucejensen2693]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Noted. I think in Russian music - and maybe some others too - it would help to have a conductor with the sensibility of a Mravinsky, or for a modern example Jurowski, put their skills to this repertoire and bring out the passion and excitement in these pieces. Maybe it's not too much to hope that Jurowski will soon turn his attention to some of these works?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@brucejensen2693 I think he never will.

[@basilpeewit3350]

Wholeheartedly agree! It's not terribly symphonic, but it's good music!

[@HassoBenSoba]

Boy, did you NAIL IT with "the slightly alcoholic Elephant in the room" (HAW!).. Jarvi's Orfeo Glazunov 5th is FIRST-RATE, and one of the greatest sounding orchestral recordings ever made. I've conducted the 5th and lots of his other music; the Ballets are EVERY BIT as GOOD as Tchaikovsky's..so there, sue me. The OTAKA/Wales Symphony cycle on BIS is exquisite; this man REALLY gets it! His Third, 4th and 7th are unbeatable..superbly shaped, phrased, and balanced. I look forward to your future episodes on the great, and underrated Glazunov. I didn't read through all the comments, but I'm wondering how many viewers caught your reference to the distinguished actor John Williams' late-night TV commercials from the late 70's?... as he lovingly pats the home-stereo console while intoning "I'm sure you all recognize....." Too funny. LR

[@patrickhows1482]

Thank you for this talk, I whole heartedly agree with you, especially about Kalinnikov, Borodin, Taneyev and Glazunov. My own favourite Glazunov symphonies are no 4, a wonderful lyrical work, where he abandons the four movement form and has beautiful transparent scoring, no 5 and no 8, a powerful, sombre piece that IMO is his finest symphony, but all them are worth listening to. Early Sibelius shows Russian influence and there is a passage in the slow movement of Glazunov's Symphony no 2 that seems to anticipate The Swan of Tuonela. Glazunov's slow movement only uses one theme, which is varied by different scoring, with various instruments prominent in different sections, the passage with a prominent cor anglais (english horn) with a string accompaniment immediately suggests Sibelius.

[@bjornjagerlund3793]

Mosolovs symphony no 5 is a must hear in this repertoire. Lovely!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sorry, I disagree. It is junk. The Harp Concerto is much better (even if too long for its material).

[@bjornjagerlund3793]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Well, then I assume I like junk. I always learn something new from your channel ;-)

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@bjornjagerlund3793 Sometimes we all do. No shame in that.

[@eugenebraig413]

I'm excited to have learned of Kalinnikov! One I've not seen mentioned in other comments yet-but perhaps evolving into something too post-romantic, perhaps too migratory (although he certainly began life and study-with Taneyev, among others-in Russia) is Paul Juon. I'm particularly fond of his evocatively titled bits, Rhapsodische Sinfonie and Sinfonietta Capricciosa, but he did write two simply labeled as symphonies as well.

[@johns9624]

There you go, I didn't know Balakirev wrote a second. Beecham's recording of the first was highly rated. Haven't listened to it in ages but I know it's in acceptable stereo and worth consideration for those looking for a recording.

[@ladymacbethofmtensk896]

Balakirev's pupil Sergei Lyapunov wrote an even more unjustly ignored Second Symphony in 1917, of which I have been waiting for a new recording to please, please, PLEASE come out soon!

[@DavidJohnson-of3vh]

Kalinnikov - YES

[@neilcameronable]

Kalinnikov 1 the best 19th century symphony out of Russia?..that amazing 2nd mov!!!!!!.....and the deafening finale.yes yes!!...look forward to your Glazunov reviews as i dont know those.

[@Metrofin1]

David mentioned Glazunov's "Lady Soubrette". It really is a fine work and it is on KZbin.Give it a try.

[@markmelson1925]

I'm so glad you mentioned Kalinnikov, especially his First Symphony. Not only is the slow movement which you played deserving of attention, the last movement is really rousing - no holds barred here. Toscanini led a performance of the First with the NBC Symphony in 1943. I have it on LP on the dell'Arte label. It may be on other labels as well. The Dallas Symphony performed the First on a concert about 20 years ago and friends who were there, and who had never heard of Kalinnikov, raved about the piece.

[@siegz1283]

For Taneyev 4th, I strongly recommend Rozhdestvensky. Btw, Balakirev's Tamara is so beautiful.

[@ladymacbethofmtensk896]

The story would have gotten Walt Disney in serious trouble if he animated it instead of "Night on Bald Mountain." And we are supposed to think that classical music is always so tediously wholesome!

[@ayethein7681]

Thank you for this talk, and double thanks for including the Rimsky symphonies. I do think of 'Antar' as a Symphonic suite rather than a symphony. I agree that the 1st is a promising 'student work. I was braced for you dismissing the 3rd but you gave it a thumbs up. I think it a dreadfully neglected piece.

[@barrygray8903]

Informative and fascinating. I've heard the Balakirev 1( Karajan mono), Borodin 1-3 (Tjeknavorian and Ole Schmidt in no 2) Rimsky 2 (Bakels and Svetlanov) and Glazunov 5(Serebier) ; I have one disc from Serebier's Glazunov cycle coupling the 5th symphony with the Seasons;very good performances. I will now seek out Taneyev and Kalinnikov. What's your take on the Karajan Balakirev 1 and Schmidt's Borodin 2? BTW you mention at the outset that you have done an ideal Tchaikovsky symphonies list. By my reckoning (and unless I've missed something), an ideal list of Tchaikovsky symphonies has not yet been done. You have done an excellent survey of Tchaikovsky symphony cycles (with Markevitch the winner by a knockout).

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You are right. I need to do the ideal Tchaik list, and it is coming. I though I said cycles specifically, but maybe I wasn't clear. The Karajan and Schnidt are both very good, in my opinion,

[@ce2167-n1t]

Ideal Tchaikovsky cycle is eagerly awaited!

[@maudia27]

Funny - I just acquired the Glazunov's Symphonies with José Serebrier (including his concertos) last week and I was wonder if you talk about him some day.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Definitely, at least as regards the symphonies.

[@maudia27]

@@DavesClassicalGuide I will never know then what it is the best version of the saxophone concerto :)

[@francispanny5068]

Yondani Butt did a series of symphonies with the Philharmonia and London Symphony.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Dull as ditchwater.

[@barryguerrero7652]

I love "Antar"!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Me too.

[@abdul7591]

I would also nominate the First Symphony by Sergei Lyapunov, and the First by Reinhold Gliere.

[@dmntuba]

Guess I'm gonna be getting some Russian Romantic music for Christmas 🤣

[@VallaMusic]

You reminded me of Shostakovich's most interesting reminiscences with regards to Glazunov and his somewhat unusual style of teaching (or not teaching), Oh well, without vodka many Russians back in those days would have gone mad and/or froze to death.

[@alanmcginn4796]

Dave my friend - of course I listened to this video when it first came out and have been listening to some new stuff (for me) from this video - the Borodin and Kalinnikov symphonies, both on Naxos. Throughout this tough time these past 7 or so months, your daily videos have truly been a thing that I have 1. thoroughly enjoyed and 2. really looked forward to. HOWEVER, the exposure you have given me (and I am sure I speak for many of us 4k or so subscribers) to different versions of the 'classics' and relatively unknown stuff like Kalinnikov symphonies or the Berlioz Grand Symphonies is for me the most amazing thing. I thank you from the bottom (and the top and both sides) of my heart. You are a legend and an inspiration. Your music collection should be entered into the Guinness Book of records (I think you may have a chance of winning). Thank you for every thing that you do, each and every day. Your enthusiasm, your incredible wit. Just you being there each and every day on this channel. For you, I am eternally grateful. Thank you and happy thanks giving to you and Brian (and of course the cat) the rest of your family.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thank YOU for giving me a purpose and a joy in sharing my love of music!

[@barbaricyawper14]

Taneyev trivia time! He died after having contracted pneumonia while he was a pall-bearer at Scriabin’s funeral during one nasty cold day in winter 1915.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

All the result of a pimple.

[@rolandonavarro3170]

I enjoy a lot the Lorin Maazel (with Pittsburgh) 'Antar' Symphony by Korsakov. First rate.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I agree.

[@rbmelk7083]

Mr. Hurwitz, Thank you so much for providing such an excellent channel to review classical music. You have saved me hundreds of hours of listening to subpar performances as well as works that are not and should continue to not be in the standard repertoire. I wanted to provide some feedback on your commentary on romantic Russian symphonies. I agree with much of what you say, but I have some differences in taste from what you provide in your commentary as well as a couple of questions about romantic Russian symphonies that you do not mention in this video that I am hoping you will address and/or reply with your opinions. Without further ado, here is my humble feedback: 1. I could not agree more with your assessments of the Balakirov, Kallinivov, Borodin, Taneyev, and Glazinov symphonies. My only issue with the otherwise sublime Balakirov Second is the scherzo movement that does not seem to fit stylistically with the rest of the piece, and I often wish he had omitted it to make a three movement symphony. The Taneyev Fourth really is something very special (I sometimes refer to it as Tchaikovsky on steroids), and Glazunov’s Fifth is amazing. My favorite performance of the Glazunov Fifth is the mono recording with Mravinsky conducting the Leningrad Symphony Orchestra that contains barely any ritardando at the end of the finale. (Also, I am grateful that you did not mention the music of Gliere or Gretchaniniv as I am not a fan of either.) 2. It is probably a taste thing, but I just cannot get into any of the three Rimsky-Korsakov symphonies. 3. What about the two Borkowicz symphonies? They are both very splendid and romantic even though they were written in the 1930s. Is it the time period that led to their exclusion since their style very much fits into romantic? Another romantic symphony close to my heart that I was hoping you would mention is the Miaskovaki 25th Symphony. This symphony is incredibly moving and, in my mind, is the answer to Tchaikovsky Pathetique if that could be seen as an antecedent. I hope you are not offended by my feedback as none is intended, and I look forward to hearing your feedback soon. Thank you so much! Brian

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thanks for your feedback, but I would provide to let the videos themselves represent my response to these kinds of queries...

[@melodymaker135]

“Antar” is killer. I like Abravanel/Utah.

[@mickeytheviewmoo]

I love all these composers. Thats a super list you have compiled. Do you have any views on the Blumenfeld Symphony?

[@ladymacbethofmtensk896]

Why doesn't Chandos release Lyapunov's Second? Or Ippolitov-Ivanov's First, or Second for that matter? I mean the Ippolitov-Ivanov First is like a series of wintertime snapshots.

[@f.scottwalters7349]

That Kallinikov excerpt somehow smacks of the 20th century. Ahead of his time?

[@andreykonovalov2324]

Great review! I would have added Arensky (2 symphonies), Lyapunov (also 2), Grechaninov (5), and maybe Rubinstein (6) to complement the picture, although they are not as fine as the ones you mentioned. BTW, are you planning to review Myaskovsky's 27 symphonies? Some of them are extremely good, particularly the 6th which I dare say is really on the same level as Tchaikovsky's Pathetique.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Some day, but probably not soon. To be honest, while I agree that "some" are very good, some are not, and there isn't much recorded competition so I don't see much point. If you like them and want them all, you get the Svetlanov box and that's that, basically.

[@andreykonovalov2324]

​@@DavesClassicalGuide Well, the 6th, which is ought to be his best (and deserves a separate discussion) has been recorded quite a few times (I counted 5 at least) - moreover, some of the recordings feature a final choir, omitted in Soviet performances, due to its overtly religious character (orthodox old believer's funeral chant, obviously unimaginable in USSR). A bunch of other symphonies, including 21, 24 & 27, to name just a few, were also done several times. Besides, it's fun to study them in pairs. Myaskovsky had a habit of writing symphonies in couples, one is the antipode of the other, a kind of quark-antiquark system.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@andreykonovalov2324 You don't have to convince me. I know very well what is (or was) available. I'm just not as enthusiastic about him as you are.

[@georgenestler2534]

@@DavesClassicalGuide There is on Naxos from 2003 a wonderful CD conducted by Dimitery Yablonsky of his Symphonies # 24 and 25. Really nice powerful works.

[@ericl9875]

I would add Myaskovsky, especially his last, no. 27.

[@ABC_Guest]

Before watching this video, my list would be: Kalinnikov 1 & 2, Scriabin 2, Schnittke 1, Rimsky-Korsakov 2, Glazunov 5, Stravinsky In C, and of course Shostakovich/Prokofiev/Rachmaninoff.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, but I was limiting myself to 19th century romantics. The 20th century is another story entirely.

[@ABC_Guest]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Ah, fair point! I tend to group them all together, for whatever reason. Some of my favorite composers right there. Really enjoy all these videos!

[@cristianmunozlevill1265]

Now it's time for soviet symphonies (not by Shostakovich/Prokofiev).

[@lilydog1000]

@@Quotenwagnerianer I too keep saying I will start on the Svetlanov Miaskovsky box. I will start from number one.

[@Cesar_SM]

What about Glière's first two symphonies? Lovely pieces, above all the robust 2nd one.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

They came later.

[@Cesar_SM]

Taneyev's 4th Symphony is from 1901, Glière's 1st one is from 1900 and his 2nd one came 7 years later. Maybe the 2nd one is more late-Romantic.

[@ThreadBomb]

I love Kalinnikov's 1st, but the only performance to really convince me is Friedmann, whose orchestra unfortunately has scrappy strings. His slower tempos give the first mvt a lovely melancholy (though he takes the unnecessary repeat), and his finale is the most epic of all. I haven't yet heard a really convincing recording of the 2nd. The finale is always rushed. I recall a Marco Polo disc of Grechanninov symphonies which was nice if not earth-shattering.

[@matteor.7439]

hi, a review on Beethoven's best Missa solemnis would be very nice

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Oy!

[@marknewkirk4322]

What about Rubinstein's Ocean Symphony? It used to be quite popular... I never could get through it.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You've answered your own question, I think.

[@AlexMadorsky]

@@DavesClassicalGuide I’ve always wanted to like The Ocean, but after more than a few listens, I prefer everything else on this ideal list, with the exception of Tanayev Nos. 4 & 6 which I don’t believe I have actually heard.

[@orlandofurioso2034]

Mussorgsky said ''it is a puddle, not an ocean''

[@siegz1283]

And there is Myaskovsky who wrote somewhat 27 symphonies, most of which were boring. But No.6 worth listening.

[@2906nico]

I never quite got Taneyev (or Fibich, really). Not especially characterful. Absolutely agrree about Balakirev and Kalinnikov. The Zinman double Rimsky CD is excellent, but I'm not absolutely convinced that Antar is particularly good. I don't know Rimsky's Third, I must investigate. Glazunov is troubling. I always think his music ought to be better than it is. I'm currently exploring the symphonies. I have a couple of (not very good) recordings by Polyansky on Chandos but could probably get better ones.

[@andcanleonid3657]

Kalinnikov - what a terrible loss of talent, justly admired and at times supported by rachmaninov...the dudarova and svetlanov renderings of the symphonies not bad either...as for glazunov nr 5 is my favourite too

[@pabmusic1]

Borodin did orchestrate the Polovtsian Dances himself. They were performed in his lifetime.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Not according to my score, although they may have been different versions.

[@pabmusic1]

@@DavesClassicalGuide How nice to talk. Borodin wrote, completed and orchestrated 10 numbers in the published Muzgiz Moscow 1954 score. This included the popular pieces (except the overture, which Glazunov did). These were all done for separate performances ("trailers", I suppose) while the opera was slowly taking shape. Beyond this, Rimsly orchestrated 22 numbers and part-nombers from Borodin's vocal score. He doesn't seem to have written much. Then Glazunov composed the Overture from his memory of Borodin's playing, and wrote or completed 8 numbers in Act 3, At the end of the day, what does ir matter? It was Rimsky who organised the "trailer" performances so he had a hand in it throughout. Still - Borodin certainly did some. (Btw, I enjoy your talks, which entertain and infuriate me regularly! Thank you.)

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@pabmusic1 Well, I guess that explains it. I bow to your superior authority! Thanks.

[@djmbst]

yep! I love 'Prince Igor' and at the pick of my fascination with all Borodin-related I read everything I could get about the history of his opera, including Rimskiy's diary / autobiography, where he writes about his work on the 'Prince'. Dances' authorship and orchestration are not disputed at all and belong to Borodin only. As far as I remember, Rimsky's co-authorship started with Polovtsian March [opens Act 3] - another rather famous orchestral piece with Polovetsian in its title

[@GastonBulbous]

Did you ever do a separate Glazunov talk? I’d be interested!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Not yet, but he's included in a couple or three. You know, there's a good search feature on my channel home page--just enter the composer's name and at least the first few results will be reliable.

[@GastonBulbous]

OK, thanks!

[@martinhaub2602]

WHAT? No Rubinstein!!! (Just kidding.) I love this repertoire, but sadly all of it has been relegated to amateur orchestras. The great orchestras won't touch this music. St. Louis did Kalinnikov a few years back, and Tucson the Glazunov 4th, but mostly it's the semi-pro and worse groups that play this music. Unfortunately, Balakirev and Glazunov is way beyond the ability of amateurs. There is one other romantic Russian symphony I would encourage people to hear: the one by the conductor Yevgeny Svetlanov. Availability might be a problem, it used to be on Russian Disk, but if you like the composers on this video, you'll love the Svetlanov.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Very true, all of it. and you're right: the Svetlanov isn't bad at all, if even it could have been written half a century or more earlier.

[@bodtje]

Thank you for justly pointing to these wonderful symphonies. I would like to add one: Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov. Not as good as Kalinnikov or Glazunov but worth a listen.

[@stradivariouspaul1232]

I agree, the ippolitov-ivanov is on my shortlist of 'unknown' symphonies. The two middle movements are superb

[@Emrla1]

Can I add Myaskovsky to your list? Ormandy even performed him.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Nope. That's later!

[@lilydog1000]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Apart from Svetlanov, there isn´t too much Miaskovsky about. Would love to get David´s view on each symphony.

[@jumachav6050]

Sergei Lyapunov is not in your list Mr Hurwitz. What do you think about this composer?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I think he's pretty second-rate. Certainly not as fine a symphonist as those on my list.

[@marshanovita9263]

He was a wonderful composer!!! I am surprised also he wasn't mentioned!!

[@AlexMadorsky]

@@DavesClassicalGuide I’m inclined to agree. HOWEVER, Lyapunov is the only one of these guys to have written a tone poem called “Hashish.” I have it on a Melodiya disc and it’s fairly entertaining. The symphonies are just not very good I’m afraid.

[@colosseumbuilders4768]

No Scriabin????????

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Nope.

[@quinoff]

Thank you so much for this video, amazing as always. I loved the reference to Kalinnikov -- and the extract from the second movement! I' ve got those symphonies in the Svetlanov/USSR SO version for Melodiya, but the Chandos and Naxos recordings are better. What do you think of the two (I think it's just two) symphonies by Anton Arensky? Another friend of Tchaikovsky but without the individuality of Taneyev. Have a nice weekend!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I think you described Arensky very well!

[@etucker82]

Slightly alcoholic.... 'Alexei, we think you have a very slight problem....'