Search - Modest Mussorgsky, Alexander Glazunov, Rimsky Korsakov :: Orchestral Pictures From Russia

Bob M. (BobMc) from WAYLAND, MA
Reviewed on 11/16/2010...

If you like Russian music played in the emotional, aggressive Russian style grab this 2 disc compilation. All compositions are played by the USSR Symphony Orchestra under Svetlanov, but they were recorded over a 30 year period. If you don't know Svetlanov, he was known for sometimes pushing Russian music to the emotional brink, but he could also be tender. For example, his recording of Tchaikovsky's 4th practically blasts you out of the room and it's paired with a very delicate rendering of Symphony for Strings. It's like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Back to business: The first disc has good performances of chestnuts like Night On Bald Mountain (Mussorgsky), In the Steppes of Central Asia & the Polovtsian Dances (Borodin), and Russian Easter Festival (Rimski-Korsakov). I have read elsewhere that these three composers were friends who helped one another polish their compositions.

The second disc is a treasure chest of very appealing pieces by talented but little known composers who were born about 20 years later. On reading the notes, you learn that each of them had great promise as a major composer, but one died young, another was immobilized by depression, and one simply didn't compose much. As a result all remained obscure despite great talent. Colorful, moving music, which Svetlanov conducts with passio 5 stars without question.

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Russian sound for russian music.

angelgabriel4 | Canada | 12/02/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Soviet orchestras were the only orchestras ever to properly do justice to many russian pieces in my opinion. After hearing many of the pieces on this disc, I can't help but find American or West European versions of the same works a bit bland in comparison. Extremely emotional and moving renditions."

Authentic Russian Interpretations

Terence Hines | Brooklyn, New York USA | 09/20/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Don't be misled by the claim in another review that this conductor and orchestra are obscure. Svetlanov was a leading Russian conductor (he died recently), and the USSR Symphony (now the Russian State Orchestra) was one of Russia's leading orchestras. These performances are part of a series of re-releases of material originally recorded by Melodiya during the Soviet era. Do not consider buying this compilation for the more familiar music; consider it for the rarities and for the the authentic Russian-sounding performances in good remastered analog stereo. If you are unsure about the music on these particular discs, investigate Svetlanov's other BMG releases, such as his Tchaikovsky symphonies (including one of the best Manfred Symphonies ever recorded)."