Search - Alexander Nikolayevich Scriabin, Nikolai Golovanov, Sergei Popov :: Scriabin: Symphony No. 3 / Poem of Ecstasy

Brassy Vibrato

Peter P. Fuchs | Washington, DC | 12/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many who really appreciate the Russian style in music-making, Golovanov epitomizes the strength and controlled impetuousity you might expect from such a Soviet-era conductor. Many know his his great Beethoven First Symphony and exciting Scheherezade. But fewer have sampled his Scriabin Symphonies which, to my mind, are the most enjoyable versions of the works. Fedoseyev recorded all of them too, and his much looser and expansive readings are revealing without having Golovanov's feeling of music-making on the edge. For these symphonies which only by a stretch could be called great music, can be really gripping when given the on-rushing torrent sort of reading which Golovanov manages. When one thinks of a Russian style I dare say that a certain emotional vehemence and even, perhaps, terror might be part of the aesthetic desiderata. The hair-trigger performances by the All-Union orchestra helps Golovanov achieve a thrilling performance with great control. Just the sort of thing that Sviatoslav Richter used to come up with on a good day on the piano. I'm one of those who feels that the Russian contribution to music and music-making has been one of the most world-historical. Golovanov makes you feel that without a doubt. Lastly, the the very old-style vibrato heavy brass parts for me only add to the feeling of forceful mystery."