The Greatest Recordings EVER! Tubin: Symphony No. 4

[@Cesar_SM]

A perfect symphony cycle to be featured in your Fabulous Concert Programs series.

[@davidspratt2001]

Totally agree that Tubin's 4th is one of the great 20th century symphonies. The first five symphonies are all wonderful. The remaining five are less immediately accessible but are still interesting and repay many listens. I also agree that Volmer's version is superior. However, Jarvi's live version is more raw but more exciting. Both recordings have insights to share. Hopefully, your insightful video will inspire many listeners to listen to Eduard Tubin. I envy them their voyage of discovery!

[@stephencoats1501]

Thank You. Beautiful.The most important thing you do is put a spotlight on great and under appreciated music. I have experienced so much goof music which otherwise I would have been unaware of.

[@earlofmar11]

I discovered Tubin's symphonies many years ago and really liked this music a lot. So I colleced both cycles you mention on CD. But as so often happens with so much great music to listen to and so little time to do it, I haven't heard them for quite some time. Your video is an excellent trigger to dig them up again (although these days it's more convenient to go streaming them on Idagio than to try and find back the actual CDs 😉). Anyway, thanks for also including less evident composers in your Greatest Recordings series!

[@dirkbecker6827]

I was really thrilled and happy to see a video on Tubin - and I was wondering why it had to be the Fourth and why it had to be the Volmer cycle. So I first listened to the Volmer recording of the Fourth and the to your video to prepare my contradictions. And here you go: Nothing to contradict: I prefer the Järvi cycle (as you do) since the Volmer cycle is far too muddy (especially in the basses) and has too much hall - so the recordings are very indifferent especially when it is getting loud. But I also remembered that I never liked the 4th symphony - and that was not only because percussion was missing but - as you stated - it was a bad recording in Järvi's cycle. - The Fourth symphony benefits from the hall in the Alba cycle and it is fun to listen.But after all, I prefer the other early symphonies of Tubin (2,3,5) and especially Järvi's cycle is marvellous. Of the later ones, the Seventh is the one I would chose. 🙂 - By the way (none of my comments without a question): What about Heino Eller? His marvellous first symphony is not yet available on CD (neither his 3rd), but there are some other recordings with Olari Elts. Would you mind to give it a try: Eller is easier and more accessible than Tubin but also a very unique Estonian voice! Thank you for sharing and reading!

[@kylejohnson8877]

Dave, you described exactly the brand of 20th century symphonies that are very dear to me - shamelessly tonal and melodic without being “cheap” or derivative, optimistic in spirit, and beautifully orchestrated. Most of the symphonies of Atterberg, Lloyd, and Braga Santos could fit that description, as well as Tubin’s 4th, Hanson’s 2nd and 3rd, R. Thompson’s 2nd, Diamond’s 3rd and 4th, Lilburn’s 1st and 2nd, etc etc. It’s a great shame that so few of these works are widely known/played - if they were, it would certainly help dispel the widely-held notion that most 20th century music is ugly and inaccessible!

[@williammoreing3860]

I acquired Tubin’s symphonies on BIS decades ago and have long lamented the fact that the live performance of the 4th simply doesn’t sound as well as the others. Happily, you’ve introduced me to a newer recording with satisfying sonics! Many thanks! Cheers!

[@barryfields-h4v]

Played the first movement on youtube while listening to your review...very nice...alot like Howard Hanson.

[@davidhollingsworth1847]

Tubin is definitely a symphonist par excellence, but also more than decent as a composer for piano and instrumental works (and for the theater for that matter). The album in question is certainly a wonderful one (the harp playing in particular sublime).

[@Warp75]

I’ve heard of him, but never heard him I’ll check it out this evening. Thanks Dave

[@TroelsNybo1st]

Haven't heard Tubin for ages. Thanks for the reminder.

[@HoraceInExile]

Another learning experience. Next stop after this: the videos on Joly Braga Santos (another learning experience).

[@MrYoumitube]

Thanks Dave You're right, I said who the f is Tubin? Checked him out and was greatly appreciative.

[@cspiegs1]

I just listened to the fourth and am anxious to hear the rest. With that being said, I would like to get the complete cycle set. Which set should I get?

[@fred6904]

Neeme Järvi on BIS.

[@alanmcginn4796]

Yes. No brainer.

[@cspiegs1]

And why Jarvi over Volmer?

[@stpd1957]

Yeah! Who is Tubin? I am better informed now, thank you.

[@canarinis]

Wow, I feel myself as ignorant as a goat. Tubin who??? Thanks Dave!