Search - Nikolay Myaskovsky, Evgeny Svetlanov, Russian Federation Academic Symphony Orchestra :: Nikolai Myaskovsky: Complete Symphonic Works, Vol. 14

Two Fabulous Symphonies

D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 08/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Symphony No. 23 is among my favorite symphonies of any composer, let alone those by Nicolai Myaskovsky. The symphony was composed in 1941 following the invasion of Russia by the Nazis and the evacuation of Myaskovsky. He ended up in the northern Caucasian region. Far from the music being somber as befitted the times, it is radiantly optimistic. It also reflects the composer's research into the local folk melodies. Overall, the music reminded me of Alexander Borodin for its marvelous lyricism. The symphony is in three movements and was influenced by folk melodies.



The work opens with a typical Myaskovsky adagio but quickly moved to a dance-like melody, which is developed and contrasted with another folk melody. The adagio melody returns bringing the movement to a peaceful conclusion. The lyricism of the first movement is continued in the second and is a set of variations based on two ancient Balkarian laments and a love song from Kabardino. The final movement is centers on a lively dance melody. The mood of festive celebrating continues through the movement and it is brought to a joyous conclusion.



The Symphony No. 24 was composed during 1943 and was dedicated to the memory of Vladamir Derzhanovsky, who had died during the evacuation from Moscow in 1942. Another factor in the composition may have been the death of Sergei Rachmaninov, which occurred in March 1943. The 24th is also in three movements. The first movement begins with a brass fanfare and is heroic in tone. The middle movement is somber with passages of chest beating despair. The finale brings back the heroic tone of the first movement. There are several climaxes as the music moved from an introspective melody back to the heroic theme; the music settles down and symphony closed serenely.



Yevgeny Svetlanov conducted the premiere of the 24th in December 1943. The passion and commitment of Maestro Svetlanov is apparent in the two recordings on this disc. The recordings are clear and well-balanced. If you don't know the music of Nicolai Myaskovsky, this is a good place to start; and it certainly belongs in any collection of Russian music.

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