An hour full of Russian romance.
To begin with, you will hear Symphony No. 1 by Alexander Borodin (image), who composed in his spare time. He was a chemist. His symphonies and chamber music are quite something. You will hear a recording from 1989 of Symphony No. 1 by the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Gergiev. That year, he was appointed as a principal guest conductor in the port city of Rotterdam. It was two years after his debut in the renowned Dutch concert series, NTR ZaterdagMatinee.
This grand and impressive orchestral work is followed by Two Intermezzi for orchestra by Vasily Kalinnikov, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by Neeme Järvi. An interesting but little-known composition.
Actually, the same applies to Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Scherzo, which he completed at the age of 13 – his first attempt at a serious composition. This performance is by the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Mariss Jansons.
To conclude this programme, the same performers return with Vocalise, perhaps the most famous melody by this great Russian composer. Slowly yet majestically, the notes float through the orchestra.
Playlist
- Alexander Borodin – Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev - Vasily Kalinnikov – Two Intermezzi for orchestra
London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi - Sergei Rachmaninoff – Scherzo in D minor
Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mariss Jansons - Sergei Rachmaninoff – Vocalise, op. 34 no. 14
Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mariss Jansons
Image: portrait of Alexander Borodin, painted by Ilya Repin (1888).
