Soviet composers
Fri, May 7 2010, 7:03PM
Dear all,
Which composers from the Soviet years other than Shostakovich and Prokofiev are worthy of note for the quality of their music? Are there specific recordings that you recommend?
Fri, May 7 2010, 7:57PM
#2
RE: Soviet composers
Thanks Rolf!
Fri, May 7 2010, 8:13PM
#3
RE: Soviet composers
There's Tischenko, who's very much like Son of Shostakovich in style. His stuff is quite easy to find. There's a Symphony 7 on Naxos for instance. Silvestrov and Kancheli are kind of late-Soviet. There was a Silvestrov Sym 5 on Sony at one time. Kancheli's a taste I haven't quite acquired. There was a Nonesuch cd of Syms 4 and 5.
Then there are always the relative conservatives - Miaskovsky, Gliere and Katchaturian. Gliere's Sym 3, which is strictly speaking pre-Soviet, is quite a piece. Miaskovsky I think is under-rated. He wrote a boatload of symphonies and they're rather uneven, but like Brian there are some great ideas in amongst the less-inspired bits. If you want to see if he's your cup of tea, try one of his symphony couplings on Naxos.
Fri, May 7 2010, 8:29PM
#4
RE: Soviet composers
Yes, Miaskovsky. Would you suggest specific symphonies to listen to since he composed a "boatload" of symphonies as you say? I am aware that Warner Classics released his complete symphonies, but I don't think I want to take a chance on a box set of that size. I think it even won a prize from Gramophone for something or other. I've tried Silvestrov, but I found it at that time rather uninspiring, repetitive, and monotonous. On the other hand, I've always liked Khachaturian and Kabalevsky. I think that I will definitely try Miaskovksy. Thanks.
Fri, May 7 2010, 9:32PM
#5
RE: Soviet composers
Boris Tchaikovsky (no he wasn't) is inscrutable, but fascinating.
Fri, May 7 2010, 9:42PM
#6
RE: Soviet composers
Miaskovsky has my strongest recommendation. Also Kabalevsky and Khachaturian.
Sat, May 8 2010, 10:15AM
#7
RE: Soviet composers
Beside Miaskovsky (violin concerto, 6th symphony!), Kabalevsky and Khachaturian there are dozens of Soviet composers who all made harmless yet very pleasing ear candy. Listen to this LP with the violin sonata of Otar Taktakishvili. The second movement is actually quite catching...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPd3VySkoTs&fmt=37
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEX1g49-pRo&fmt=37
Enjoy!
Rolf
Sat, May 8 2010, 2:08PM
#8
RE: Soviet composers
Roslavets gets my vote. I rate his music, particular his Violin Sonatas and Piano Trios as top class
Sat, May 8 2010, 3:16PM
#9
RE: Soviet composers RE: Soviet composers
parisboy
Good idea to start with Myaskovsky's 21st (Op 51) - it's a succinct and very eloquent work, arguably his best symphony that was (I think) the first to appear on LP. I had Measham's version on LP and now have the CD, with Kabalevsky's 2nd (another satisfying Soviet symphony) and DSCH's Hamlet music (Unicorn Kanchana UKCD 2066 - worth tracking down.) I would also endorse the suggestion below of the Violin Concerto, a truly haunting work.
Wed, May 12 2010, 8:36PM
#10
RE: Soviet composers
Boris Tchaikovsky's musical world is as great as his teacher's (Shostakovich's) world is.
The recommended recordings to start to discover Boris Tchaikovsky: all works of Chandos CD (CHAN 10299H); Naxos CD with Piano Concerto, and Signs of the Zodiac (8.557727); complete string quartets set on Northern Flowers (NF/PMA 9964-65); Piano Quintet and The Last Spring on Forum/Regis (FRC 9111).
Wed, May 12 2010, 8:56PM
#11
RE: Soviet composers
Also worth checking out Boris-wise is the Second Symphony/Symphony with Harp (Relief CR 991080). And let's hear it for Galina Ustvolskaya, especially Sabine Liebner's superb new recording of the complete piano music (Neos 10904/05).
Wed, May 12 2010, 9:53PM
#12
RE: Soviet composers
I don't know Boris. How would you describe him and where would you start? I see he has a couple on Naxos.
There's also a new issue of Shchedrin on Naxos that has received reviews suggesting he's far more than a re-hasher of Bizet. That's the great thing about the cheap labels, you can afford to dip your toe in and find out for yourself.
Thu, May 13 2010, 12:07PM
#13
RE: Soviet composers
I always found the name fascinating, but until about one minute ago, I never heard any music composed by Boris Tchaikovski. At the moment this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3YNaxTW5l4&fmt=18
flows out of the speakers. Again harmless ear candy...
Rolf
Fri, May 14 2010, 3:46PM
#14
RE: Soviet composers
Speaking of Myaskovsky,
I would start off with his 13th Symphony, and then his 27th: truly his masterpieces. Also explore his cello sonatas and some of his piano works.
Boris Tchaikovsky is another great Soviet. Try his Second Symphony and his Theme et Variations for Orchestra first.
Also, the Baltic composers are well worth exploring: Tubin, Kapp, Auster (Estonians), Ivanovs & Skulte (Latvians).
Mon, May 17 2010, 4:56AM
#15
RE: Home
I investigated Kabalevsky and Khachaturian earlier this year.
Kabalevsky is very conservative, not to say derivative, but if you bear this in mind I promise you will find wonderful things in his two cello concertos, and first two piano concertos. The two earlier works are in the late 19th century style, while the two later works show the influence of Prokofiev. His symphonies also have their qualities, but may not sustain interest.
I find I really prefer Kabalevsky to Khachaturian, although the latter's cello concerto and second symphony are respectable Shostakovichian efforts. His 3rd symphony should be heard just to find exactly why Khach was included in the Zhdanov indictment - it's a magnificent monstrosity! His ballets came after this and are best consumed in suites of highlights, in order to avoid the "circus music" which makes up much of those works.
The Masquerade suite is delightful and should be sought out.
How about Mosolov. He has at last one masterpiece you can hear here:
http://www.webrarian.co.uk/music/mp3s.html
Zavod op. 19. Also known as " the steel foundry".
Rolf