Search - Sergey Taneyev, Hugh Bean, Neeme Järvi :: Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev: Overture, The Oresteia/Symphony No. 4

A GREAT Romantic symphony

V. Wilson | Cambridge, MA United States | 04/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Taneyev's Fourth Symphony is one of the great symphonies of the late 19th century--a dramatic, powerful and cogently organized piece. It's sad that there are only a few recordings of it, and tons of recordings of Tchaikovsky's Fourth, a far weaker work.Although this symphony isn't overtly Russian in the way of say, Borodin, I think most listeners would accurately locate the composer's origin. Unlike most other Russians, this is a very sophisticated piece of work. Taneyev builds most of the melodic content for the whole piece out of the opening material of the first movement. We're also treated to splendid counterpoint and melodic development. Lest I make it sound too academic, however, let me add that the melodic content is very memorable.The other reviewer suggests the piece is derivative, but I think that's a stretch. One can certainly hear echoes of Rimsky Korsakoff, but what strikes my ear are sections which presage Elgar and in one remarkable passage in the finale, Mahler. If the piece has a flaw, it might be that it's a bit thickly orchestrated. This, combined with the stridency of some of the material can be wearing on the ear. Jarvi doesn't quite overcome these problems and he isn't helped by Chandos' echoey recording. While the performance is dramatic, I hope someone with a keener sense of orchestral balance will take up the work.Be that as it may, this is a piece you should have in your collection. The Overture is also worthy and makes a nice addition."

Prefer the Overture to the Symphony....

Alasdair Brooks | Melbourne Australia | 09/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought I'd add a slight dissenting voice to the other reviews since I far prefer the Oresteia overture (to which I'd award 5 stars) to the 4th Symphony (to which I'd award 4 - but carries the CD rating since it's most of the CD). The overture is an astonishing, brooding (yet ultimately joyful) piece that accurately - to my mind - pictures an individual fleeing from persecution before finding peace. Ostensibly, the individual in question is Orestes, but I find the emotions more or less universal. Until some brave soul records (or re-releases - a recording is listed in my 1988 Penguin Guide) Taneyev's full opera "The Oresteia", this is all we can get - which on this evidence is a terrible loss."

Lush neo-classic delight

Alasdair Brooks | 01/30/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Discovered Taneyev quite by accident and what a wonderful surprise. Symphony #4 is quite beautiful and Oresteia overture is powerful. Sure it's derivative but more attention to Taneyev and contemporary Kalinnikov must be paid!"