Search - Boris Mykolayovich Lyatoshyns'ky, Theodore Kuchar, Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra :: Lyatoshyns'ky: Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5 "Slavonic"

The important works of Lyatoshynsky well performed.

David A. Hollingsworth | Washington, DC USA | 04/25/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As mentioned in my previous review, some of the communicative urgency & boldness drained away by the time Boris Lyatoshynsky (1895-1968) composed his Fourth & Fifth in 1963 & 1966 respectively.His Fourth symphony, however, retained the same level of philosophical depth as his first three symphonies. It's first movement is passionate yet somewhat restrained whereas the second movement is as tranquil as the slow movement of the Second symphony. The finale (3rd movement) is a culmination of the ideas & concepts of the previous movements. It's a finale with activity & tensity. The symphony, played without a pause, is regarded as among the great symphonies after the second half of the 20th century.Like the Slavonic concerto for piano & orchestra, Lyatoshynsky's Fifth symphony is a work having various slavonic themes (of various slavonic cultures). Truly an important work, it suceeded in representing the friendship & unity of the Slavonic peoples. The first movement consist of a Russian theme based on a part-mythical legend, Ilya Muromets. The second movement consist of two Bulgarian themes: one is entitled "Oh my Friend Petko, Rise Up." which is mournful, and deeply so, whereas the second theme "Bring here the maiden is sincere & more optimistic. (Kuchar, Marco Polo, p. 6 on the titles of the themes). The finale is somewhat religious, with the bells being heard especially in the beginning & final bars of this movement. It represents all of what the entire work is about. Joy & triumph brings this movement, and this symphony to a memorable close. The performances by the Ukrainian State Symphony under Theodore Kuchar of the two important works were well done & passionate, and it's Marco Polo CD recording of the works is a clear first choice above it rival Russian Disc & CPO recordings.Recommended, & not regrettably so!"