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Post by julesd68 on Apr 19, 2022 16:48:21 GMT
I found this article an excellent introduction to Nikolai Myaskovsky for newbies to his work like myself.
No wonder he was known as the "Father of the Soviet Symphony" having written 27 of them! He was awarded 5 Stalin prizes too but we won't hold that against him.
Previously never having heard any of his music to my knowledge, I was interested to find out what he was all about and started with this, his most highly regarded work it seems, Symphony 6, here with the excellent Neeme Jarvi and the Gothenburg Symphony.
Mon dieu, what a symphony and recording this is! And what a wonderful discovery for me - in the 1st movement the swirling, brooding ruminations sometimes remind me of Scriabin in its hypnotic and intoxicating dark themes, rhythms and colour, whilst in the more romantic moments there is a noticeable whiff of Rachmaninov. All of which means this heady Russian blend can only be a good thing.
There really is some **stunning** music in this symphony for my tastes and it's not all full on - just listen to the theme that starts at 3'47" in the 2nd Movement, culminating in the most sublime flute solo. Just gorgeous. The final movement starts with a celebratory theme, almost nursery rhyme in form, but it doesn't last long, only 2'30" until darkness descends once more ... Some astonishing climaxes with superlatively expressive and potent brass lead us to a choral finale which is most poignant and affecting.
Unbelievably, not only is there no upcoming performance of this work listed on Bachtrack anywhere in the world, there are no listings for ANY of his music, and yes I tried both spellings of his name. This is a bona fide frickin' scandal if really the case! Music of this quality must deserve an audience. I would absolutely love to see this symphony live with a top notch orchestra and will be on the look out from now.
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Post by Slinger on Apr 19, 2022 17:12:00 GMT
Somehow, I've managed to own a box set of all of his symphonies. I have no idea where or when I bought it. I did used to surf Amazon & eBay in the early hours of the morning while drinking rather too much though.  Currently £29.99 used/vg  |
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Post by MartinT on Apr 19, 2022 18:37:08 GMT
I'm listening to that 6th by Jarvi now and it starts off well.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 19, 2022 22:16:06 GMT
Somehow, I've managed to own a box set of all of his symphonies. I have no idea where or when I bought it. I did used to surf Amazon & eBay in the early hours of the morning while drinking rather too much though.  That would be a bit of a project to work your way through! Do try the 6th if you haven't heard it though ... |
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 20, 2022 14:16:25 GMT
I'm listening to that 6th by Jarvi now and it starts off well. How did you get on with it? |
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Post by MartinT on Apr 20, 2022 16:55:05 GMT
It did a lot of things, Jules, and was nice to listen to, but I didn't find anything memorable to remember it by.
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Post by jandl100 on Apr 20, 2022 18:53:10 GMT
I've listened to a lot of Miaskovsky, and owned that full symphony set by Svetlanov. I sold it on after a while. A small minority of the symphonies are outstanding, but the average is a bit meh unfortunately. And no, numbnuts that I am, I can no longer remember which are the ones I really enjoyed. Doh.
He's a composer that I feel I should like, but somehow it doesn't quite get there.
I do like it enough to keep trying, though.
Have to confess to not really enjoying that Jarvi recording of the 6th, and I am a bit of a Neeme Jarvi fanboy. It somehow managed to not maintain my interest, my attention keeps straying no matter how hard I try to focus!
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 20, 2022 19:23:43 GMT
I'm certainly not planning on wading through his 27 symphonies but sure I will explore a few more. I did love that 6th though ...
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Post by jandl100 on Apr 20, 2022 19:46:08 GMT
Probably possibly perhaps my favourite work is his violin concerto.
I suspect the solo violin provides a useful focus for, firstly, him to compose around and, secondly, the listener to concentrate on.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 20, 2022 20:12:27 GMT
Thanks J - will sample this VC for my next Myaskovsky installment but will go for the Vadim Repin recording as I have fond memories of seeing him live a couple of times some years back.
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Post by jandl100 on Apr 21, 2022 2:55:16 GMT
Listening to Repin now.
Yup, probably better than the Naxos album.
It's a shame that 0.000001p may now be going to Putin's Podium Puppet, Gergiev, though.
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 21, 2022 13:08:36 GMT
Yes I don't think Gergiev will be collecting quite as many Air Miles in the latter part of his career.
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Post by Slinger on Apr 21, 2022 15:01:51 GMT
Is the 4 th movement still a part of the same Sixth Symphony?  It rather took me by surprise when it came galloping in. All in all, a valiant attempt that doesn't quite scale the heights it sets out to. Now, if he'd STARTED with the 4 th movement...  |
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Post by julesd68 on Apr 22, 2022 11:07:04 GMT
Listening to Repin now. Yup, probably better than the Naxos album. It's a shame that 0.000001p may now be going to Putin's Podium Puppet, Gergiev, though. I made a start on the VC but can't say I was gripped by it in spite of Repin's excellent playing and didn't feel compelled to finish it in one sitting! |
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Post by jandl100 on Apr 22, 2022 16:57:47 GMT
Listening to Repin now. Yup, probably better than the Naxos album. It's a shame that 0.000001p may now be going to Putin's Podium Puppet, Gergiev, though. I made a start on the VC but can't say I was gripped by it in spite of Repin's excellent playing and didn't feel compelled to finish it in one sitting! Well, yeah, I didn't say it was exciting, it is Miaskovski, after all. But it's got some half decent tunes in there. For a change. |
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It rather took me by surprise when it came galloping in. All in all, a valiant attempt that doesn't quite scale the heights it sets out to. Now, if he'd STARTED with the 4th movement... 