As early as 1882, audiences acclaimed the premiere of the first symphony by Alexander Glazunov, who was just 16 years old. The Niederrheinische Sinfoniker, under the baton of their principal conductor Mihkel Kütson, now present an extremely attractive selection from the early composer's extensive oeuvre, in which the folk-typical national Russian elements of the "Mighty Little Group" combine most advantageously with Tchaikovsky's Central European-influenced tonal language. Glazunov calls his 7th Symphony "Pastoral", and the parallel to Beethoven - especially in the bucolic opening movement - is unmistakable. The still young man has mastered his compositional tools, acquired from Balakirev and Rimsky-Korssakov, to perfection: motif processing, counterpoint and cyclical form combine to form a convincing whole that also unfolds magnificent splendor in the rousing finale. In "Stenka Razin", Glazunov transforms a popular, highly dramatic subject from Russian history into a symphonic poem. The famous, melancholy song of the Volga tugboats drives the plot around the rough-legged pirate, including a love affair with a Persian princess. Of course, there is a tragic ending, which is, however, greeted with enthusiasm by the companions... The Poème lyrique and the Carneval Overture round off a program that is not only convincing in terms of content: captured in three-dimensional sound and presented in the best Super Audio quality, this Glasunov project is also a multi-colored audiophile treasure that is sure to make symphonic enthusiasts go into raptures.
I commend this inexpensive disc to explorers of the string quartet who know and love their Smetana and late-Dvor�k Quartets. (MusicWeb) "Glazunov's string quartets contain attractive music... a successful reconciliation between the two traditions of Borodin and Tchaikovsky" (c) Gramophone [Quartet 5]: "one is tempted to believe this is the finest of the seven (quartets)... Shostakovich Quartet have great feeling for this music and play with real conviction" (c) Penguin Guide
ALEXANDER GLAZUNOV STR QRTS 3 & 5 MUSIC FROM THE
$11.01
CD
ALTO
Aug 10, 2021
AOTL1444.2
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Glazunov: Les Sylphides
Naxos
Available as
CD
$29.99
Aug 07, 1991
Classical Music
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Glazunov: Les Sylphides
ARENSKY: Violin Concerto / GLAZUNOV: Concerto ballata / Pian
Chandos
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CD
$21.99
Jan 01, 1997
ARENSKY: Violin Concerto / GLAZUNOV: Concerto ballata / Pian
ARENSKY: Violin Concerto / GLAZUNOV: Concerto ballata / Pian
$21.99
CD
Chandos
Jan 01, 1997
CHAN 9528
Glazunov, A.K.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 10 - Suite Caracteris
Naxos
Available as
CD
$19.99
Apr 28, 1999
Glazunov, A.K.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 10 - Suite Caracteris
Glazunov, A.K.: Orchestral Works, Vol. 10 - Suite Caracteris
$19.99
CD
Naxos
Apr 28, 1999
8553857
Russian Violin Concertos / Fischer, Kreizberg, Russian National Orchestra
PENTATONE
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CD
$17.99
$13.99
Jul 21, 2023
This remarkable album marks the recording debut of German violinist Julia Fischer as well as the beginning of her extraordinary partnership with Russian-born conductor Yakov Kreizberg, which would result in numerous Pentatone releases before the conductor’s untimely death in 2011. Together they tackle three Russian violin concertos (by Khachaturian, Prokofiev, and Glazunov) which have been tragically overlooked, shedding new light on these masterpieces. After releases on SACD and vinyl, this iconic album now returns in an affordable stereo version.
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Russian Violin Concertos / Fischer, Kreizberg, Russian National Orchestra
$17.99
$13.99
CD
PENTATONE
Jul 21, 2023
PTC5187110
Symphonic Organ Music, Vol. 1
BIS
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$21.99
$15.99
Nov 01, 2000
Classical Music
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Symphonic Organ Music, Vol. 1
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$15.99
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BIS
Nov 01, 2000
BIS-CD-1101
Nathan Milstein Rarities
IDIS
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$16.99
$12.99
Mar 03, 2010
Classical Music
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Nathan Milstein Rarities
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$12.99
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IDIS
Mar 03, 2010
IDIS6589
Les Vendredis / Szymanowski Quartet
SWR
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$20.99
Apr 14, 2017
Les Vendredis is a collection of string quartets by several Russian composers, who played a key role at the famous Friday evening concerts organized by the music publisher Belaieff at the end of the 19th century. Alexander Glazunov, Anatoli Liadov and Rimsky-Korsakov are among the illustrious names that formed that musical society. Belaieff, son and heir of a wealthy wood trader, was a music enthusiast and an excellent violist. Thus, it was only natural that he hosted string quartet concerts in his house and commissioned composers for new string quartet works. Some of these works were published in 1899 by Belaieff’s own publishing house, which he had founded in the 1880s. The works of this collection continue to fascinate to this day, but are, unfortunately, only rarely performed. The Szymanowski Quartet, who are known for their exciting and cleverly compiled concert programmes, perform this repertoire with both pleasure and passion. Their technical perfection suits the musical challenges and their soulful performance highlights the lyrical emotions of these Russian musical treasures.
Les Vendredis / Szymanowski Quartet
$20.99
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SWR
Apr 14, 2017
SWR19034CD
Russian Adagios /Svetlanov, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Ondine
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$19.99
Dec 04, 2008
Far from the traditional image of Russian music as a stately exercise in pomp comes this excellent recording of RUSSIAN ADAGIOS. Like its name implies, this disc contains slow movements of Russian composers, from the theatrical as well as symphonic repertoire. Under Russian conductor Yevgeny Svetlanov, these pieces shine with depth and lyricism. Particularly beautiful and sublime are the "Petit Adagio" from Alexander Glazunov's ballet 'The Seasons' which connects with emotions that bridge style periods, and the Adagio from Prokofiev's 'Cinderella' which highlights the brilliance of Russian 20th-century composition which broke from the official mold. Finally, there is the "Pas D'Action" from'Sleeping Beauty' of Tchaikovsky which never fails in its melodic wonder. This is a recording that gets at the heart of Russian music, which is worth the exploration.
Russian Adagios /Svetlanov, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Nikolay Myaskovsky was one of the most prolific and influential composers in 20th-Century Russian musical life. These two works come from the beginning and end of his distinguished career: the warmly expressive First Cello Sonata recalling the style of Rachmaninov, and the equally romantic Second Cello Sonata revealing the subtle influence of folk music typical of Myaskovsky's later years. Alexander Glazunov both absorbed and continued the great Romantic lineage with his poignant Chant du ménestrel and the Iberian evocations for the Sérénade espagnole from Two Pieces.
This recording features the works of composers who were outstanding personalities in the musical life of their country during their lifetime: The Violin Concerto in D major, op. 35, by Tchaikovsky and the Violin Concerto in A minor, op. 82, by Glazunov. Each of the two composers wrote only one concerto for violin and orchestra respectively, as did Beethoven or Brahms as well. The two concertos by Tchaikovsky and by Glazunov each quickly gained admirers in the West. The image of Tchaikovsky is well-known, who closely emulated Western European music, especially music originating in Italy, France and Germany. Glazunov, who had no conservatory training, acquired his skills as a composer with Rimsky-Korsakov. He was one of the members of the “Mighty Handful” of five composers who banded together in Saint Petersburg in 1862 and called themselves novators, or innovators. They championed and strongly supported a national style of Russian classical music. There were therefore contrasts in style at the time. Yet Tchaikovsky, who was accused of “Western leanings”, was also an adherent of other contemporary Russian composers and his stance towards the innovators was generally positive, though differentiated. And Glazunov, the pupil of Rimsky-Korsakov? The attitude he upheld was based on the maxim: “I am possessed by music.”
Angele Dubeau and La Pieta take us around the world in a sparkling selection of Christmas themes for small string orchestra. Some tunes are familiar, others are new to us but ring with the essence of timelessness as they are surely international favorites bound for familiarity here through many repeated listenings. One characteristic every work on the program shares... simply beautiful melodies and the sound of shimmering, silken strings. This is a joyous and festive celebration sure to become a new holiday classic. - ArkivMusic
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Silent night! Holy night! Hearing just a few notes of this eternal carol is enough to envelop us in a sweet tranquility and inner peace that goes well beyond the meaning of the words written by Joseph Mohr and music famous song by Franz Xaver Gruber. Jumbled memories arise of snow-covered countryside, crackling fires, delicious aromas filling the house, the joyful shouts of excited children unwrapping presents. Has Christmas turned into mere nostalgia, or can we rediscover the true meaning of this celebration? Angèle Dubeau thinks we can and, through both popular songs and carols works associated with the Nativity, she offers here a voyage through a world with diverse origins and traditions. This musical tour and celebration of the Nativity will take you to Finland, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Russia, and, closer to home, Mexico and Canada, with the Huron Carol.
God Jul!
In Scandinavia, Christmas celebrations begin on December 13, the feast day of Saint Lucy, when a young girl is chosen in each village to represent her. Clothed in white and a crown of candles, she goes from house to house—along with a retinue of girls in white dresses and boys with pointy, star-spangled hats—bringing light, the symbol of life and renewal, for the coming year. In Finland, the official festivities begin with a declaration of “Christmas Peace” broadcast live on December 24 from Turku Cathedral. A few moments later, Christmas bells ring out across the country, as conveyed by Joulun Kellot (“Christmas Bells”), an interpretation written by Armas Toivo Valdemar Maasalo. Juleniss, the Finnish equivalent of Santa Claus, rewards good children during the night that follows; one wonders if he is tempted to hum the song Julvisa (“Christmas Song”, subtitled Give me no Splendour, Gold or Pomp), written by a young Jean Sibelius.
Buon Natale!
While Christmas in Italy might first bring to mind panettone, a Christmas sweet bread invented in Milan around 1490 that is served stuffed with cream, topped with a sauce or covered in chocolate, the country is above all the cradle of the Nativity scene. Indeed, Francis of Assisi created one of the first “living” nativity scenes in 1223, with villagers playing various character roles. Whether miniature or almost life size, these reproductions of the manger scene quickly became a tradition, with Italian families setting them up nine days before Christ’s birthday. It is not surprising, then, that two of Italy’s most well-known Baroque composers, Antonio Vivaldi and Guiseppe Torelli, dedicated idyllic concertos to “the holy birth.”
Joyeux Noël!
In France, cantiques de Noël remain the most important part of popular celebrations of the Nativity. By the 16th century, numerous versions of these carols existed in a variety of regional dialects, and they were distributed by door-to-door salesmen who also carried “Christmas Bibles” and engraved prints (often with a carol on the back). Here, Angèle Dubeau performs Noël nouvelet, Laissez paître vos bêtes and La Vierge à la crèche, set to a text by Alphonse Daudet.
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
In Germany, Christmas is Weihnachten (holy nights), and this is where the tradition of the Christmas tree originates. Legend has it that Saint Boniface (ca. 680–754) used the triangular shape of the evergreen tree to explain the concept of the Trinity to the pagans. The first mention of the modern Christmas tree dates back to 1521 in the Alsatian town of Sélestat. Even before this, however, the Christmas mystery plays performed in church squares frequently made use of trees decorated with fruit, offerings, decorations and candles (the candle tradition being attributed to Martin Luther). Two centuries later, Johann Melchior Molter wrote a delicate concerto grosso, inspired by the scene of the adoration of the shepherds.
¡Féliz Navidad!
In central America, Mexicans celebrate Las Posadas (the inns) which, starting December 16, commemorates Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging. As night falls, a procession sets off, led by children carrying a small decorated platform bearing statues of Joseph and Mary, who is riding a donkey. As the procession of villagers winds through the streets singing litanies, they knock at various doors along the route. Each time they are turned away with the cruel words “There is no room,” until the procession arrives at the appointed house or church. Then, the doors are flung wide in the open spirit of Christmas and the celebration begins, concluding with the breaking of a piñata, refreshments and dancing. The lullaby performed here, entitled “Sleep, Holy Infant”, comes from Dave Brubeck’s Christmas cantata, “La Fiesta de la Posada”, written to a text by his wife, Iola Brubeck and arranged by Russell Gloyd especially for Angèle Dubeau. Upon hearing the recording, Mr. Brubeck’s reaction was: “This is fantastic. She is playing from her heart.”
Hristos Razdajetsja!
Orthodox Russians have always liked to transform religious events into celebrations, hence the string quartet Jour de Fête by Alexander Glazunov, which evokes the festivities held on the night of January 6 to 7, Christ’s birthday on the Julian calendar. After the church service, everyone sits down to “Holy Supper,” which cannot be started until the first star appears in the sky, an homage to the star that guided the Magi. After the feast, tradition dictates that a plate of braided bread called kalach is left on the table between two candles, in honour of deceased members of the family. Angèle Dubeau offers here one of the rare recordings of this work.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas is celebrated enthusiastically in the United Kingdom. Houses are decorated with bright lights, children sing Christmas carols (such as “Holy Boy” by John Ireland) in the street, collecting spare change for the poor, and Christmas pudding is the traditional post-Christmas-dinner dessert. Another important tradition began here: the sending of Christmas cards, a custom that began in the 15th century and expanded significantly in the 18th century with the development of lithography.
Jesous Ahatonhia
The Huron carol Jesous Ahatonhia (Jesus is born) was written by the Jesuit Jean de Brébeuf in 1641. Hoping to better convey the meaning of Christmas, the priest adapted the text to the reality of the First Nations people. Hence, Jesus is wrapped in rabbit skins, he sleeps in a bark lodge, the adoring shepherds are replaced with hunters, and three Indian chiefs take the place of the Magi. Canadian composer Kelly-Marie Murphy based her work Huron Carol Interlude on the carol. The interlude of the title refers to the third movement of her string quintet Dance Me Through the Panic, from which she borrowed shimmering colours and a sense of melancholy, imbuing the carol melody with a very particular mood and evoking, in her own words, an “imagery of ice, snow, solitude and prayer.” When she heard this Angèle Dubeau’s rendition of her work, the composer wrote: “This is a wonderfully performed and produced interpretation of Huron Carol Interlude. There is a rich, full sound, with a perfect sense of pacing and colour. It expresses my ideas beautifully. Heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Angèle Dubeau!”
Rachmaninov, Prokofiev: Cello Sonatas / Russakovsky, Nicholson / Composer: Sergei Rachmaninov, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Alexander Glazunov, Sergei Prokofiev / Performer: Alexander Russakovsky, Amber Shay Nicholson / Number of Discs: 1. Cellist Alexander Russakovsky enjoys an international reputation as a performer and teacher. He has given master classes as far afield as Latin America and Taiwan, and in recent years has won first prize at the Angela and Maurice M. Clairmont Competition in Tel Aviv and the Performing Arts Foundation Competition in Santa Barbara. Pianist Amber Shay Nicholson won the 2001 Rachmaninoff Concerto No.3 competition at the Eastman School of Music; she is also a former member of the piano faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi. Recorded in 2012. This new recording brings together two great, but altogether different 20th century Cello Sonatas from Russia: the gorgeous and deeply romantic cello sonata by Rachmaninoff, of near-symphonic proportions, and the cello sonata by Prokofiev, a hybrid piece of his later period, a fascinating mixture of the romantic, the grotesque and the introspective side of the multi faceted composer. As interludes we hear arrangements of Tchaikovsky's ballet music from Sleeping Beauty, and the S�r�nade Espagnole by Glazunov, a brilliant show piece. Beautiful, expressive and "Slavic" performances by Russian cellist Alexander Russakovsky.
Rachmaninoff & Prokofiev: Cello Sonatas
$8.99
CD
Brilliant Classics
May 27, 2014
BRI94771
RUSSIAN VARIATIONS
HYPERION
Available as
CD
$18.33
Apr 19, 2024
This attractive and virtuosic program from pianist Piers Lane's features three substantial sets of variations-by Glazunov, Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov-plus a delightful amuse-bouche from John Field, who settled in St. Petersburg in the early years of the nineteenth century.
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