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In Reply to: RE: Kabalevsky posted by Amphissa on November 03, 2015 at 05:52:14
Thanks for the info.
I have to say that I've found the music of major 20th Soviet era composers to be much better than that of their Western counterparts. They somehow managed to make their music modern, and yet still tuneful. Meanwhile, while there was plenty of good music created in the West [such as Bartok's, many of the better British and American composers], there was also a slide into audience hostile, crazed-ultra modern stuff that sounds like musical poison. I'm generalizing, but also thinking of Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Khatchaturian, and others.
This Kabalevsky Chandos CD is a really good example. The music is pretty high quality, and very enjoyable, in my opinion.
Thanks for the information about Myaskovsky. You hardly hear about him at all, especially compared to his famous contemporaries; although I noted that more recordings have appeared. I think my reaction previously toward Myaskovsky might have been typical. Since we don't know much about him, and since previously there were not many recordings, I felt suspicious that he might have been just another Soviet party hack, churning out Communist Party tribute music made to order. I'm glad you've clarified the actual situation. Now, I'm going to have to order that Chandos disk.
Follow Ups:
As with any composer who writes more than 2 dozen symphonies, quality varies. But his music was not unknown in the West. Chicago Symphony conductor Frederick Stock was an admirer of Myaskovsky's music and commissioned a symphony from Myaskovsky for the 50th Anniversary of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. That was Myaskovsky's 21st Symphony.
When CBS surveyed listeners to find out which contemporary composers would still be listened to in the future, Myaskovsky was included among the top 10. So he was well known in the U.S. back then.
One of his best works is his Violin Concerto, dedicated to and first recorded by Oistrakh. That recording is still available, but I much prefer the recording by Repin with Gergiev conducting the Kirov Orchestra. When one listens to this, one can understand why his music was admired, and then one wonders why he has been pretty much forgotten.
"Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)
Amphissa and others turned me on to Myaskovsky when I was looking for good Russian music to get me through the Polar Vortex in 2014. If you like string quartets, the Taneyev Quartet cycle on the Northern Flowers label is worth checking out. I especially like the disc with quartets 9. 10 and 11. Sound quality is not demonstration quality but is acceptable.
Myaskovsky's Cello Concerto is also a worthwhile piece. The Arte Nova disc sounds great.
Happy listening,
Jim
"The passage of my life is measured out in shirts."
- Brian Eno
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