Search - Valentin Koshin, Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra :: Balakirev: Symphony No. 2 in D minor (recorded 1988); Symphonic Poem "Russia" (recorded 1982); Oriental Fantasy Islamey (recorded 1981) [Leningrad Masters]

Rare worthwhile recordings...

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 04/24/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This disc showcases the Cold-War Leningrad Philharmonic performing comfortable Russian repetoire they can sink their teeth into. The three obscure to western ears conductors, direct with great gusto and homeland authority. The Balakirev "Second Symphony" makes up the bulk of the disc. It is a rich and passionate work with dance rhythms in the first movement and a swaggering Slavonic scherzo, with plenty of flowing Romantic strings in the concluding movements. "Russia" is warm and atmospheric with intergrated folk material calling for great virtuosity from the orchestra. "Islamey" takes off in a Slavonic fury eventually calming down to a subtle oriental tinged central section, finishing off to a dazzling climax. All three performances(though recorded in different sessions) are well served by the remastering engineers creating a warm and spacious atmospheric recording characteristic to the music."