COMPOSERS: Glazunov
LABELS: ASV
WORKS: Symphony No. 3; Serenade No. 1; Serenade No. 2; Stenka Razin
PERFORMER: LSO, RPO/Yondani Butt
CATALOGUE NO: CD DCA 903 DDD
The substantial Third Symphony demonstrates Glazunov’s technical mastery in its sumptuous dressing-up of rather mundane ideas. At least the tone poem Stenka Razin has the ‘Song of the Volga Boatmen’ to offer as its opening theme, and its creation of atmosphere is undeniably skilful. The two early serenades are pretty enough. Yondani Butt steers the music along competently without being able to disguise its inherent superficiality, though the orchestral ensemble has some dubious moments. George Hall
Glazunov: Symphony No. 3; Serenade No. 1; Serenade No. 2; Stenka Razin
The substantial Third Symphony demonstrates Glazunov’s technical mastery in its sumptuous dressing-up of rather mundane ideas. At least the tone poem Stenka Razin has the ‘Song of the Volga Boatmen’ to offer as its opening theme, and its creation of atmosphere is undeniably skilful. The two early serenades are pretty enough. Yondani Butt steers the music along competently without being able to disguise its inherent superficiality, though the orchestral ensemble has some dubious moments. George Hall
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm