Search - Alexander Glazunov, Neeme Järvi, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra :: Glasunow: Symphonies 1 & 5

An Exuberant Recording

D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 11/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let the sulky drawing of Glazanov on the cover dissuade you, these are very engaging symphonies. The First Symphony was written in 1882 and is an exceptionally tuneful and mature work for a 16-year old boy. When it was premiered, the audience was astonished when Glazanov came on stage to take a bow wearing his school uniform. The symphony is cast in the traditional four movements and reflects the influence of the Mighty Handful, but there is also some independence: Glazanov uses a Polish theme in the Scherzo and the use of folk music and the way Glazanov develops the music sets him apart. The Fifth Symphony from 1895 had been dubbed "The Heroic" and "Wagnerian" but neither epithet fits. It is a remarkably tuneful symphony and the word spontaneous has been applied to it. The Scherzo is very much like a ballet and the Andante is lyrical with some impressive "fate" chords played by the brass. The Finale is non-stop dynamic energy, pure adrenaline that never stops until the closing chords. Glazanov was at the peak of his powers when the Fifth Symphony was written and it is, for me, among his very best. Neeme Jarvi and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra play these symphonies for all the joyous exuberance the scores demand. This is a disc that I play often and one I think anyone who loves Russian music will find essential ."