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Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on June 29, 2007, 5:16 pm 194.242.159.250 What great news (thank you Rob!)about the phoenix-like revival of Svetlanov's Myaskovsky symphony cycle, at budget price, on Alto. The valedictory No 27 is a masterpiece, the last great demonstration, I believe, of that romantic spirit which had moved Rachmaninov and Glazunov to produce such fine works. The slow movement, written whilst the composer was stricken with cancer and under a cloud of soviet disapproval following the crazy Zhdanov purge of 1948 is perhaps the most touching and moving of all and is followed by a paen to life, in the finale, in which the dying composer seems to look forward to the return of Spring, after the Winter, knowing that he himself would not live to see it. Good as Polyansky's Chandos version is, Svetlanov's is better. Other highlights to come are the folk-songish No 23 which I remember last encountering on one of those fine old EMI/Melodiya LPs with ASD prefixes (coupled with a very fine work Rodion Schederin's epic Symphony No 1). Myaskovsky's 16th which commemorates an air disaster has a terrifically brooding and funereal slow movement and Symphony 15 (also recorded by Kondrashin) and especially No 17 (used as background music in a TV series "Stalin the Red Tsar" of decades ago) are amongst Myaskovsky's greatest works.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Peter Lee on June 6, 2008, 12:02 am, in reply to "Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 82.14.88.29 Jeffrey You may be surprized to learn that No.23 doesn't seem to exist in the so-called 'complete' Warner set just out. (No.18 is prersent, even if it is everywhere listed as a second No.8. But unless 23 has been renamed as something else (and I don't know the piece so I won't recognize it)it is not in the box. So the label 'Integrale' is a slight exaggeration. Peter  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on June 6, 2008, 8:30 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 194.242.159.250 Peter, Thank you. That was my first reaction when I saw the Warner set's contents online (I don't have the set as I have been collecting the Olympia/Altos). Actually, I think they call Symphony No 23 "Symphony-Suite" in the Warner box. Best wishes Jeffrey  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Lindsay Vass on November 4, 2008, 6:08 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 90.201.179.135 Will Volumes 1-10 ever be re-issued as single CDs as I only managed to acquire 3 of the original issues. I would much rather own these than the Warner's. That box set of the complete symphonies really is a joke, even if it is competitively priced.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Patrick Waller on November 5, 2008, 5:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 195.149.46.220 I think it is going a bit far to describe the Warner box as a "joke" - for me it has been one of the finds of the year because it provides ready access to wonderful music that otherwise is hard to find. I understand that there may be marginal differences in the transfers but otherwise the only loss by comparison with the Olympia/Alto series is in the lack of proper documentation. I agree that this is a great pity but it seems to be part of a general, unfortunate trend in the industry to issue large boxes cheaply with minimal, if any, notes.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Peter Lee on June 7, 2008, 10:09 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 82.14.88.29 jeffrey Thanks for this information. I will now listen to it! Unless, like me, you're running short of space, your Alto/Olympia collection makes much more sense. As well as inept labelling and titling, the Integrale is characterized by a complete absence of notes! And of course everyone knows Myaskovsky backwards... Warner should be ashamed. Peter  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on June 8, 2008, 8:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 195.93.21.3 I am very biased here as I have written the notes for the Alto releases following the very sad death of Per Skans!  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Roger Fischer on August 16, 2008, 4:40 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 67.142.129.10 I am so grateful to Warner for releasing the full Miaskovsky cycle. Granted that the notes were sparse and the wonderful 23rd symphony and 18th were mislabeled,I have not heard such glorious music in years. And at a bargain price no less! I have now come to believe that Myaskovsky was truly one of the greatest composers who ever lived, and Svetlanov knew how to bring out all the nuances of this genius.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Peter Shott on August 27, 2008, 9:45 pm, in reply to "Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 81.153.181.130 Yes, it is wonderful we can now access all the symphonies on some exciting, if sometimes brash, recordings. I hope that current enthusiasm for these works might bring about further performances, and (fingers tightly crossed) alternative recordings. In the meantime, let no-one forget the very interesting quartets. Russian Disc released six CDs of the complete quartets performed by the Taneyev Quartet. These have reappeared on Northern Flowers, and I have little difficulty in recommending them to others. And then, of course, there are two cycles of the Piano Sonatas.....  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Benjamin Daniell on August 28, 2008, 1:48 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 203.10.121.81 Gentlemen – I have been trying to ascertain whether the Warner boxset contains the same recordings as those which appeared on the Olympia/Alto discs. Have Warner licensed them, or did Svetlanov record the symphonies on different occasions? I missed out on the Olympias, delaying my acquisitions in the hope that Olympia would box them together. Then when Alto continued the releases, I was really annoyed with myself for not getting the Olympias at the time they were readily available. Now, I'm hoping providence has granted me an opportunity to finally get these self-same recordings once for all. Would appreciate any assistance you can provide in this matter. Thanks  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on August 29, 2008, 1:12 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 195.93.21.3 Benjamin, They are the same recordings but the transfers are different. Jeffrey  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Benjamin Daniell on August 30, 2008, 1:27 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 58.108.251.9 Thanks for your reply, Jeffrey, although I'm compelled to add a follow-up: does that mean they're better quality than the original Olympia releases? I guess I'm hoping you or someone else would be able to assure me that if I were to shell out for the Warners, then it will erase my self-annoyance for missing out on the Olympias when they were first issued…  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on August 30, 2008, 9:59 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 195.93.21.3 Benjamin, I must admit a strong bias here as I wrote some notes for the recent Alto issues following the sad death of Per Skans (who had written the notes for all the Olympias and the earlier Altos.) As the recent Gramophone magazine says, the exclusivity of the Olympia/Alto series has been, to some extent, torpedoed by the new Warner box. My sympathies are thus entirely with Alto on this. They have struggled, against the odds, to issue this great series, following the very sad collapse of Olympia, the death of Per Skans and now the sudden arrival of the Warner box. I did a comparison of the transfers of three Miaskovsky symphonies and thought that the Altos had more depth to them. But I am hardly an impartial observer. Alto are a small company and their discs are super budget. The main advantage of the Olympia/Altos is that their accompanying notes actually tell you about the music! The Warner box has very perfunctory notes. Having said this, if you want the complete cycle, there is no other way of collecting them except by buying the Warner box as the Olympias are no longer available (except at absurd prices on the Internet.) However, those who have been collecting the Olympias or who want to know anything about the music will want the Altos. The music is great and I'm sure that you will enjoy exploring it whatever you decide. Hope this helps a bit! Jeffrey  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Roger Fischer on September 8, 2008, 1:56 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 67.142.129.10 As much as I appreciate the courageous efforts to complete a Miaskovsky cycle, I had been very frustrated in the past several years and had obtained a disjointed orchestral collection of Marco Polo, Olympia, Russian,Revelation,Claves, Unicorn CDs and Melodiya LPs. But I only lacked the elusive 23rd symphony and a few other orchestral works. First, on the down side, the Warner cycle was hastily put together. It has very sparse notes and sloppy labeling in that the 18th symphony is mislabeled(as the 8th)and the 23rd is not named as such but IT IS INCLUDED(check the opus number and movements) Opus 56:(1941) Parts: 1. Lento. Allegro alla marcia. Lento 2. Andante molto sostenuto 3. Allegro vivace But on balance I'm glad my wait is over and am very grateful. I now have a consistent cycle of Svetlanov's wonderful renderings with very good audio quality equal to the Olympia CD's I have. In addition, a marvelous must-hear Miskovsky re-orchestration of some earlier piano pieces was an added bonus; Opus 65: "Links of a chain", six sketches for symphony orchestra (1944-1945). I hope this information is helful.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on September 8, 2008, 12:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 194.242.159.250 Links, Slavonic Rhapsody etc will be released by Alto in the next few months.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Roger Fischer on September 8, 2008, 10:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 67.142.129.10 I may buy the Alto CD's just to get some decent liner notes for Links, Slavonic Rhapsody, Alastor, and some of the symphonies. It's a pricey way to go, but after all, it is Miaskovsky. I may also require the ASV CD to get Napeve and a few other orchestral works I lack. Has anyone heard Napeve or know of a review for it?  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on September 9, 2008, 9:24 pm, in reply to "Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 195.93.21.3 Roger, "Napeve is a soulful, caressing melody very much in the Russian folk tradition. Miaskovsky clothes it in ever increasing chromatic harmony until at a point of maximum poignancy it must return to the simplicity with which it began." (Roland Melia-notes for ASV release) It is very beautiful and entirely characteristic, but it only lasts for 1.45 minutes. Jeffrey  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Sam on September 26, 2008, 12:27 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 141.214.17.5 Hi guys. Will Alto reissue the Olympias that are now out of print?? I'd be happy to pay a bit more for good notes and perhaps a better transfer.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Len Mullenger on October 6, 2008, 1:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 217.155.206.169 Response from Alto At present the agreement is to issue the 3 remaining unissued Olympias (Symphonic works) which will be ALC 1041, 1042, 1043 between Nov 08 and spring 09. What happens after that will depend on Olympia in 2009 then. The Warner documentation is laughably inadequate especially on such rare works. Olympia licensed this whole series for 10 years in 2000 with renewal options after, and Warners are still not answering as to how they could have now licensed from the owner (Nina Svetlanova) within this period or without checking availability or without checking copyright of some of the Olympia masters. alto has licensed the Olympia masters exclusively, and always provides expert booklet notes. Warners have never contacted Olympia about the series. Robin Vaughan pp alto / Musical Concepts New York  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by J.J. Davis on November 11, 2008, 9:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 86.164.165.123 I had a cassette tape of the 23rd Symphony (on Caucasian Themes) recorded off BBC Radio Three in the early- mid 1980s. This cassette I transported to the Far East and treasured without knowing any other MYSKY symphonies - except the Russian Disc 6th Symphony. Now I have purchased the Svetlanov set I find this performance lethargic. Just as his Balakirev set for Hyperion was lethargic. How much more dynamism might there be in the music if we didn't have so sober an interpreter? But, grateful for small mercies, this is clearly marvellous music and I might get used to the Caucasian slow footed steppes!  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Emiel de Lange on May 21, 2009, 8:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 77.249.219.30 Hi Everyone, i purchased the warner version - it is a vast collection. Where do i start? Going by Peter's words ive listened to parts of the 25, 23, 15, 17 and also the 6th. Which other symphonies of Myaskovsky are entirely outstanding from the rest?  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on June 5, 2009, 5:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 194.242.159.250 I would recommend symphonies 16 (great slow movement) 21 and 27 in addition to the ones listed.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Ed Hoornaert on November 8, 2009, 12:29 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 68.226.108.57 I know I'm coming to the conversation rather late, but I'd like to toss out my opinion that, with some huge exceptions, the earlier symphonies are better than the latter ones; and that Myaskovsky's greatest genius is found in his slow movements. So, a couple recommendations: No. 3 -- The best slow movement of all from this master of slow movements: the 6 min. funeral march that ends the piece. No. 5 -- Another masterful slow movement. No. 8 -- The rest of the symphony is only so-so, but I love the slow movement, especialy how it fades away to nothing.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on November 8, 2009, 9:29 am, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 86.27.143.66 Ed - thank you for reviving the discussion! I partially agree with you - especially about Symphony No 3 which was my way into Miaskovsky after the Cello Concerto. Also, my feelings are exactly the same as yours about Symphony No 8. No 6 is perhaps the greatest. However I rate some of the later ones very highly - especially the deeply moving, valedictory No 27 and No 17 written at the hight of Stalin's Purges - a strange, moving, but oddly defiant work. The slow movement of No 16 is perhaps my favourite NM slow movement. I love the opening of No 12 and nos 23-25 rank highly in my estimation - No 24 in particular. Best wishes Jeffrey  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by david brown on November 8, 2009, 1:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 72.79.217.45 Following on from this, but tangentially... as one who has come late to the cycle via the last seven discs appearing on Alto, as well as Leon Botstein's performances of Symphonies 13 and 16 in one of his wonderful Bard festival programs last year, does anyone know if Alto are now going to go back to the beginning and reissue the first 10 discs?  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Edward Hoornaert on November 8, 2009, 11:14 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 68.226.108.57 I agree with your high opinion of most of the works you mentioned. (But 23-25? Chacun a son gout....) I'm especially glad to hear you mention #17. This was my introduction to Myaskovsky, on an old mono record that was, for many years (a couple of decades, probably) the only Myaskovsky I knew. Yet it has never grown old on my ears--and to me, that is the true test of a piece of music. Incidentally, I have the Russian Disc set, which has no liner notes either.  Post a Response

Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov) Posted by Jeffrey Davis on November 9, 2009, 1:59 pm, in reply to "Re: Myaskovsky symphony cycle (Svetlanov)" 194.242.159.250 In answer to David's question - sadly the appearance of the Warner boxed scuppered Alto's plans to reissue the earlier Olympia CDs of Miaskovsky's symphonies. As for the notes, I wrote some for Alto after the sad death of Per Skans - I hope that you found them helpful!  Post a Response

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