Repertoire: IDEAL Romantic Russian Symphonies (Not By Tchaikovsky) 

I have to say it warms my heart to see so many Kalinnikov fans come out of the woodwork! One can only imagine the greatness he may have achieved had he lived longer.

Yes! Great to hear you talk about Kalinnikov, he’s terribly underplayed

My wife is from St. Petersburg, and she loves Kalinnikov's 1st. Whenever I hear the slow movement, I think of an evening on a dacha about 30 miles from the city. Somewhere between 6 and 7 pm, you have the far-flung antiphony of barking dogs. But it still takes a few more hours before it gets dark, and a few more shots of vodka before you finish chopping firewood to feed the samovar for making tea. Night settles in with insect sounds and a swarm of stars overhead that would be obscured by the city's light pollution. Some of the atmosphere has been spoiled by post-Soviet extravagance, but you can still find a residue of the no-frills dacha experience: the people at the train station heading back to the city with baskets of mushrooms just picked in the forest, or the 80+ year-old woman with flowers from her own plot that she needs to sell so she can supplement her meagre pension. Sometimes you feel you're still back in the 19th century--and a contemporary of Kalinnikov.

That Kalinnikov is so haunting and perfect. Reminds me a tiny bit of the second movement of Bizet’s symphony.

I love Kalinnikov 1. I’m always trying to convince school and youth orchestras to do it. So much to be learned without the technical barriers of Tchaik! (I also think the same of Berwald 3 though not Russian)

I would like very much to see an episode on the Borodin 2nd. It's been one of my absolute favorites over the years.

The Kalinnikov on Naxos - a fabulous little CD. In fact, I'd forgotten about it, lurking in the murky depths of the 'K' section on my shelves!

Yes thank you for giving Glazunov the high praise he truly deserves!! His second Symphony is another favorite of mine.

In recent years, Theodore Kuchar has been the conductor of the Fresno Philharmonic. And, on one occasion I had an opportunity to have lunch with Mr. Kuchar. During that meeting I suggested that he might consider performing one the Kalinnikov symphonies. During his last concert of his last season with the orchestra, he conducted the first symphony to rousing success. I have been aware of the Kalinnikov first symphony since I taped if from an old Soviet recording from the early 1950's that I found at the university library.

I was staying in a hotel in Mendocino some time ago. The hotel had a swimming pool in a greenhouse, atrium setting. I went to swim in the evening. There was a rare hail storm that evening which turned into snow, very unusual for Mendocino. When I came into the greenhouse, there was already music playing. I swam and listened but could not place the composer. The music was romantic and I loved it, especially accompanied by hail. When the music finished, the announcer said it was Taneyev’s 4th Symphony. I agree, it’s a great romantic symphony.

One of my secret favorites is Alexander Kopylov's Symphony c-minor. Stylistically very similar to Kalinnikov, but written a couple of years earlier, in 1888.

David’s "Hello, friends" always gets me in a good mood.

Thanks for this nice review! Rimsky Korsakov 3 is very, very beautiful, as is Glazunov 3 (and 5 and 7 of course). Maybe Myaskovsky could also be discussed one time, he wrote many beautiful symphonies and is rather unknown.

"Tada-tatatata-tatatatatada -- fweep! tatatatatada -- fweep!" is going to be my next ringtone.

Great review... I´d add Scriabin´s 2nd symphony which i enjoy a lot.

Holy hell that Kalinnikov is remarkable! Never heard anything quite like it.

I discovered most of this music years ago through Svetlanov's Anthology of Russian Symphonic Music. The recordings were hard to find, to put it mildly, and the performances were variable, but they were good enough to turn me on to the music. Svetlanov recorded all of Glazunov's orchestral works as part of the anthology. The symphonies are great, but the real hidden treasures are in the tone poems, orchestral suites and overtures. The Glazunov recordings were released as three 6-CD sets a while back. Then Melodiya boxed up the entire Svetlanov anthology a couple of years ago in two big boxes plus a smaller third box, about 120 discs total, for an absolutely obscene price that would drive any sane person away. I, uh, suspect they sold exactly one of each. 😉

Taneyev's 4th Symphony under Järvi (on Chandos) is a knockout of a performance. It also includes the stunning Oresteia prelude. A terrific disc overall.

Thank you so much for the Kalinnikov excerpt. I was alerted to the work-- and specifically that movement -- decades ago by of all people, Allan Sherman ("HELLO MUDDAH, HELLO FADDAH"), guesting on classical music station WDTM-FM in Detroit. Sherman requested that the host play the second movement and was incensed when told the station did not have a recording of the symphony in its library.

Borodin's Symphony No.2 might be my favorite Russian symphony period. I wholeheartedly recommend Jean Martinon's account with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Kees Bakels also recorded the Kalinnikov symphonies. And there is a Glazunov cycle by Tadaaki Otaka. Both on BIS.

Thanks so much for doing this video, Dave! As you know, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this one. This is my very favorite part of the classical repertoire and I have nearly all of these wonderful symphonies on CD and/or vinyl. The Balakirev symphonies are just marvelous and as with so many of these others, deserves to be standard rep, same with Kalinnikov. Borodin 2’s greatness almost goes without saying, and I highly recommend Ansermet with the Orchestra de la Suisse Romande. (you get the excellent symphony 3 [really 2.5] with it too). And yes, the NRK Malaysian BIS box is just a delight!

I am so glad you mentioned Vasily Kalinnikov. I listen often to both of his symphonies. He was the makings of a great composer, worked with Tchaikovsky. Mostly I see the first symphony, but my favorite is the second, which is filled with so much joy.

I've been a fan of Balakirev and Kalinnikov especially for years, in fact, I just loaned my Kalinnikov CD to a friend of mine to demonstrate how wonderful his symphonies are! Thank you very much!

What a good concept. We could use one of these for Swedish (or generally Scandinavian) composers.

i believe it was rimsky-korsakov who, after the playing of his first symphony, was called out by an enthusuastic audience, who were stunned when a young man in navy uniform appeared. if the 1st is a student work, it is far from forgettable. i like all 3.

Glazunov's "The Seasons" is a favourite - with my introduction being a Decca bargain price Ace of Clubs LP with a very virile enjoyable recording in mono from yesteryear. Kalinnikov was a late memorable discovery that like the Glazunov work bears repeated listening. The Naxos recording of 1 & 2 is one of their best bargains!

I really love the Jarvi recording of the Kalinnikovs with Royal Scottish, myself. Jarvi had a real touch with lesser-known works like the 2 Kalinnikov Symphonies (The 2 discs he made of Music from Estonia with the same band is a wonderful example, especially the Symphony #1 of Kaljo Raid!). I'll have to give the Kuchar version a listen. Thanks for these video reviews, David. We in many ways, I think, have similar taste!

Thank you so much for your thoughts on all of these excellent and overlooked symphonies. Years ago, I was a member of the American Glazunov Society [pre-internet] and the goal was to spread the word and encourage new recordings. The founder Donald Venturini, was dynamic and always interesting to hear his thoughts, but sadly died before the great flowering of recordings came about. Today is a "golden age" at least in terms of recordings. Your presentations on all musical subjects are so enjoyable- thanks for all of them!

Jarvi did a nice set of Rimsky-Korsakov symphonies on DG with a couple of popular tone poems. Enjoyable. I'll bet the Zinman is boffo.

These are always the most fun videos, Dave... At least to me. Thanks a lot, keep them coming! No zeros in this repertoire, fortunately.

I've been spending part of my Friday listening online to the Jarvi set of Glazunov 8 symphonies and incidental works (Bavarian Radio for 1, 5 and 8, Bamberg for the rest). Beautiful works - thank you for the introduction to them, David!

Thanks for video I discovered three new composers so nice to hear new music lol

Great subject. I happen to have a CD of Borodin’s symphonies(Ashkenazy,RPO,Decca) and just happened to listen to it couple of weeks ago and I enjoyed it. I guess I’ll be checking out the others you mentioned. Thank you.

I was so blown away by the Taneyev recording of the 4th Symphony that I just purchased the recording by Jarvi and the Philharmonia. Not really distinctive, but the sound was excellent and the orchestra played beautifully. I loved the ending of the 4th movement, which overwhelmed me with emotion.

Fantastic talk...I would also mention Beecham's Balakirev 1st. So happy you featured the Kuchar Kalinnikov disc...A hidden gem.

Thank you so much for introducing me to the two remarkable symphonies of Kalinnikov. It’s one of those “where has it been all my life” experiences. I bought the Jarvi new for a mere £5 and talk about money well spent. The best purchase for many a year, thank you David, it’s a delight.

Great list. I have performed the Kalinnikov 1st and Glazunov 5th and can vouch for them. Beautiful and lots of fun to play. Was scheduled to perform the Borodin 2d and Rachmaninoff 2d PC last Spring, but the concert was canceled due to Covid 19. I really was looking forward to that. And the Mahler 9 that was canceled. Argh

There is no other classical music critic who explores in such depth such a vast range, reminding us music lovers of the infinite world of this repertoire. I hope you appreciate how good you are.

Holy shit! That Kalinnikov symphony is beautiful! Has a real Sibelius-esque quality to it, with a bit of late Wagner’s lighter, melodic side thrown in for good measure!

I'm excited to have learned of Kalinnikov! One I've not seen mentioned in other comments yet-but perhaps evolving into something too post-romantic, perhaps too migratory (although he certainly began life and study-with Taneyev, among others-in Russia) is Paul Juon. I'm particularly fond of his evocatively titled bits, Rhapsodische Sinfonie and Sinfonietta Capricciosa, but he did write two simply labeled as symphonies as well.

Thank you for this talk, I whole heartedly agree with you, especially about Kalinnikov, Borodin, Taneyev and Glazunov. My own favourite Glazunov symphonies are no 4, a wonderful lyrical work, where he abandons the four movement form and has beautiful transparent scoring, no 5 and no 8, a powerful, sombre piece that IMO is his finest symphony, but all them are worth listening to. Early Sibelius shows Russian influence and there is a passage in the slow movement of Glazunov's Symphony no 2 that seems to anticipate The Swan of Tuonela. Glazunov's slow movement only uses one theme, which is varied by different scoring, with various instruments prominent in different sections, the passage with a prominent cor anglais (english horn) with a string accompaniment immediately suggests Sibelius.

Boy, did you NAIL IT with "the slightly alcoholic Elephant in the room" (HAW!).. Jarvi's Orfeo Glazunov 5th is FIRST-RATE, and one of the greatest sounding orchestral recordings ever made. I've conducted the 5th and lots of his other music; the Ballets are EVERY BIT as GOOD as Tchaikovsky's..so there, sue me. The OTAKA/Wales Symphony cycle on BIS is exquisite; this man REALLY gets it! His Third, 4th and 7th are unbeatable..superbly shaped, phrased, and balanced. I look forward to your future episodes on the great, and underrated Glazunov. I didn't read through all the comments, but I'm wondering how many viewers caught your reference to the distinguished actor John Williams' late-night TV commercials from the late 70's?... as he lovingly pats the home-stereo console while intoning "I'm sure you all recognize....." Too funny. LR

Kalinnikov - YES

Yours is a nice overview of quality Russian symphonic literature. If you ever revisit the topic of Russian symphonists, you might give Anton Rubinstein a spin. I am a piano worshipper, but I think Rubinstein’s symphonic output is significantly superior to his piano concerti-in every conceivable respect. I appreciate what you’re doing and look forward to further musical adventures with you.

There you go, I didn't know Balakirev wrote a second. Beecham's recording of the first was highly rated. Haven't listened to it in ages but I know it's in acceptable stereo and worth consideration for those looking for a recording.

I love all these composers. Thats a super list you have compiled. Do you have any views on the Blumenfeld Symphony?

Thank you for this talk, and double thanks for including the Rimsky symphonies. I do think of 'Antar' as a Symphonic suite rather than a symphony. I agree that the 1st is a promising 'student work. I was braced for you dismissing the 3rd but you gave it a thumbs up. I think it a dreadfully neglected piece.

Kalinnikov 1 the best 19th century symphony out of Russia?..that amazing 2nd mov!!!!!!.....and the deafening finale.yes yes!!...look forward to your Glazunov reviews as i dont know those.

Mosolovs symphony no 5 is a must hear in this repertoire. Lovely!

David mentioned Glazunov's "Lady Soubrette". It really is a fine work and it is on RU-vid.Give it a try.

Funny - I just acquired the Glazunov's Symphonies with José Serebrier (including his concertos) last week and I was wonder if you talk about him some day.

Wholeheartedly agree! It's not terribly symphonic, but it's good music!

You reminded me of Shostakovich's most interesting reminiscences with regards to Glazunov and his somewhat unusual style of teaching (or not teaching), Oh well, without vodka many Russians back in those days would have gone mad and/or froze to death.

Mr. Hurwitz, Thank you so much for providing such an excellent channel to review classical music. You have saved me hundreds of hours of listening to subpar performances as well as works that are not and should continue to not be in the standard repertoire. I wanted to provide some feedback on your commentary on romantic Russian symphonies. I agree with much of what you say, but I have some differences in taste from what you provide in your commentary as well as a couple of questions about romantic Russian symphonies that you do not mention in this video that I am hoping you will address and/or reply with your opinions. Without further ado, here is my humble feedback: 1. I could not agree more with your assessments of the Balakirov, Kallinivov, Borodin, Taneyev, and Glazinov symphonies. My only issue with the otherwise sublime Balakirov Second is the scherzo movement that does not seem to fit stylistically with the rest of the piece, and I often wish he had omitted it to make a three movement symphony. The Taneyev Fourth really is something very special (I sometimes refer to it as Tchaikovsky on steroids), and Glazunov’s Fifth is amazing. My favorite performance of the Glazunov Fifth is the mono recording with Mravinsky conducting the Leningrad Symphony Orchestra that contains barely any ritardando at the end of the finale. (Also, I am grateful that you did not mention the music of Gliere or Gretchaniniv as I am not a fan of either.) 2. It is probably a taste thing, but I just cannot get into any of the three Rimsky-Korsakov symphonies. 3. What about the two Borkowicz symphonies? They are both very splendid and romantic even though they were written in the 1930s. Is it the time period that led to their exclusion since their style very much fits into romantic? Another romantic symphony close to my heart that I was hoping you would mention is the Miaskovaki 25th Symphony. This symphony is incredibly moving and, in my mind, is the answer to Tchaikovsky Pathetique if that could be seen as an antecedent. I hope you are not offended by my feedback as none is intended, and I look forward to hearing your feedback soon. Thank you so much! Brian

Informative and fascinating. I've heard the Balakirev 1( Karajan mono), Borodin 1-3 (Tjeknavorian and Ole Schmidt in no 2) Rimsky 2 (Bakels and Svetlanov) and Glazunov 5(Serebier) ; I have one disc from Serebier's Glazunov cycle coupling the 5th symphony with the Seasons;very good performances. I will now seek out Taneyev and Kalinnikov. What's your take on the Karajan Balakirev 1 and Schmidt's Borodin 2? BTW you mention at the outset that you have done an ideal Tchaikovsky symphonies list. By my reckoning (and unless I've missed something), an ideal list of Tchaikovsky symphonies has not yet been done. You have done an excellent survey of Tchaikovsky symphony cycles (with Markevitch the winner by a knockout).

I love "Antar"!

I would also nominate the First Symphony by Sergei Lyapunov, and the First by Reinhold Gliere.

Guess I'm gonna be getting some Russian Romantic music for Christmas 🤣

For Taneyev 4th, I strongly recommend Rozhdestvensky. Btw, Balakirev's Tamara is so beautiful.

Yondani Butt did a series of symphonies with the Philharmonia and London Symphony.

Great review! I would have added Arensky (2 symphonies), Lyapunov (also 2), Grechaninov (5), and maybe Rubinstein (6) to complement the picture, although they are not as fine as the ones you mentioned. BTW, are you planning to review Myaskovsky's 27 symphonies? Some of them are extremely good, particularly the 6th which I dare say is really on the same level as Tchaikovsky's Pathetique.

I enjoy a lot the Lorin Maazel (with Pittsburgh) 'Antar' Symphony by Korsakov. First rate.

I'm so glad you mentioned Kalinnikov, especially his First Symphony. Not only is the slow movement which you played deserving of attention, the last movement is really rousing - no holds barred here. Toscanini led a performance of the First with the NBC Symphony in 1943. I have it on LP on the dell'Arte label. It may be on other labels as well. The Dallas Symphony performed the First on a concert about 20 years ago and friends who were there, and who had never heard of Kalinnikov, raved about the piece.

Why doesn't Chandos release Lyapunov's Second? Or Ippolitov-Ivanov's First, or Second for that matter? I mean the Ippolitov-Ivanov First is like a series of wintertime snapshots.

What about Glière's first two symphonies? Lovely pieces, above all the robust 2nd one.

What about Rubinstein's Ocean Symphony? It used to be quite popular... I never could get through it.

hi, a review on Beethoven's best Missa solemnis would be very nice

That Kallinikov excerpt somehow smacks of the 20th century. Ahead of his time?

Taneyev trivia time! He died after having contracted pneumonia while he was a pall-bearer at Scriabin’s funeral during one nasty cold day in winter 1915.

Dave my friend - of course I listened to this video when it first came out and have been listening to some new stuff (for me) from this video - the Borodin and Kalinnikov symphonies, both on Naxos. Throughout this tough time these past 7 or so months, your daily videos have truly been a thing that I have 1. thoroughly enjoyed and 2. really looked forward to. HOWEVER, the exposure you have given me (and I am sure I speak for many of us 4k or so subscribers) to different versions of the 'classics' and relatively unknown stuff like Kalinnikov symphonies or the Berlioz Grand Symphonies is for me the most amazing thing. I thank you from the bottom (and the top and both sides) of my heart. You are a legend and an inspiration. Your music collection should be entered into the Guinness Book of records (I think you may have a chance of winning). Thank you for every thing that you do, each and every day. Your enthusiasm, your incredible wit. Just you being there each and every day on this channel. For you, I am eternally grateful. Thank you and happy thanks giving to you and Brian (and of course the cat) the rest of your family.

“Antar” is killer. I like Abravanel/Utah.

Thank you for justly pointing to these wonderful symphonies. I would like to add one: Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov. Not as good as Kalinnikov or Glazunov but worth a listen.

Did you ever do a separate Glazunov talk? I’d be interested!

I would add Myaskovsky, especially his last, no. 27.

I never quite got Taneyev (or Fibich, really). Not especially characterful. Absolutely agrree about Balakirev and Kalinnikov. The Zinman double Rimsky CD is excellent, but I'm not absolutely convinced that Antar is particularly good. I don't know Rimsky's Third, I must investigate. Glazunov is troubling. I always think his music ought to be better than it is. I'm currently exploring the symphonies. I have a couple of (not very good) recordings by Polyansky on Chandos but could probably get better ones.

I love Kalinnikov's 1st, but the only performance to really convince me is Friedmann, whose orchestra unfortunately has scrappy strings. His slower tempos give the first mvt a lovely melancholy (though he takes the unnecessary repeat), and his finale is the most epic of all. I haven't yet heard a really convincing recording of the 2nd. The finale is always rushed. I recall a Marco Polo disc of Grechanninov symphonies which was nice if not earth-shattering.

Before watching this video, my list would be: Kalinnikov 1 & 2, Scriabin 2, Schnittke 1, Rimsky-Korsakov 2, Glazunov 5, Stravinsky In C, and of course Shostakovich/Prokofiev/Rachmaninoff.

And there is Myaskovsky who wrote somewhat 27 symphonies, most of which were boring. But No.6 worth listening.

Can I add Myaskovsky to your list? Ormandy even performed him.

Now it's time for soviet symphonies (not by Shostakovich/Prokofiev).

Borodin did orchestrate the Polovtsian Dances himself. They were performed in his lifetime.

Sergei Lyapunov is not in your list Mr Hurwitz. What do you think about this composer?

Thank you so much for this video, amazing as always. I loved the reference to Kalinnikov -- and the extract from the second movement! I' ve got those symphonies in the Svetlanov/USSR SO version for Melodiya, but the Chandos and Naxos recordings are better. What do you think of the two (I think it's just two) symphonies by Anton Arensky? Another friend of Tchaikovsky but without the individuality of Taneyev. Have a nice weekend!

WHAT? No Rubinstein!!! (Just kidding.) I love this repertoire, but sadly all of it has been relegated to amateur orchestras. The great orchestras won't touch this music. St. Louis did Kalinnikov a few years back, and Tucson the Glazunov 4th, but mostly it's the semi-pro and worse groups that play this music. Unfortunately, Balakirev and Glazunov is way beyond the ability of amateurs. There is one other romantic Russian symphony I would encourage people to hear: the one by the conductor Yevgeny Svetlanov. Availability might be a problem, it used to be on Russian Disk, but if you like the composers on this video, you'll love the Svetlanov.

Kalinnikov - what a terrible loss of talent, justly admired and at times supported by rachmaninov...the dudarova and svetlanov renderings of the symphonies not bad either...as for glazunov nr 5 is my favourite too

No Scriabin????????

Slightly alcoholic.... 'Alexei, we think you have a very slight problem....'