Track Listing

1. Allegro moderato
2. Andante commodamente
3. Scherzo. Allegro non troppo
4. Finale. Allegro moderato
5. Moderato. Allegro non troppo
6. Andante cantabile
7. Allegro scherzando
8. Andante cantabile. Allegro vivo

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #125008 in Music
• Released on: 1997-04-22
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Fast Paced and Bright, It May Be Too Much for Some
Vasily Serge's life is another example of an incredibly talented artist's being taken before his/her full bloom. Based upon the few works he left, one can only guess as to what greatness he might have arisen.

I have the separate CD's of the two symphonies which are the basis for this release. I found that the performances seem to emphasize the brass section of the orchestra which gives the recordings a rather bright tone that can cause listener fatigue under certain situations. The tempo of the second symphony is quite quick especialy the last movement marked Allegro vivo.

Personally I prefer the interpretations of these two symphonies by The Symphony Orchestra of Russia conducted by Veronika Dudarova. Performed at a more moderate tempo and with a warmer tone, this recording has a more sonicly pleasing presentation to these ears.

Regardless of the orchestra, listening to these symphonies will cause one to grieve about Kalinnikov's short life. Perhaps had he lived his name would be up with those of the great Russian composers. One can only guess.

Brilliant, beautiful, and touching compositions...
...perhaps it's just a phase, but as time goes on, I'm becoming more enamored of all the Russian composers. These two symphonies from a little-known man who faced great difficulties and hardships in life are rich testimony to the victory of mind over matter, an inspiration to anyone struggling to gain access to a well-hidden talent.

Upon listening, it is hard for me to imagine that Kalinnikov suffered from poverty and poor health. Great brightness, joy, and power are available in his two symphonies. To my mind they display great coherence and craftsmanship, which you may appreciate in the restatement of themes, tying each work together as a well-integrated whole. Some may think his compositions conservative, but art is, of course, in the ear of the beholder. There is abundant evidence of the master at work here. The real power of these compositions is the delicate balance between the great musical activity and the deep silence of the composer's mind. Only from a calm, quiet, creative mind could work like this have come.

The 2nd movement of the first symphony is delicate, tender, and powerful at the same time-and extremely touching.

I have heard the 1st work performed with more punch by a Russian orchestra. But this performance is smooth, sweet, and powerful, a fitting tribute to a man who undoubtedly had a very rich inner life. Kalinnikov's work deserves to be in the repertoir.

Good reading except...
Second and third movements of Symphony #1 are wonderful - no complaints. My complaints are with the outer movements.

In the first movement, Jarvi does not subscribe to all the dynamic markings in the score, making the reading less interesting than it could have been if the composer's intent was followed more often.

The last movement of Symphony #1 is the most disappointing as it is played ludicrously fast, stripping away its impact, detail and majesty in the coda. Being a violinist currently playing this piece in my orchestra, I am familiar with the great moments in this last movement. I can't hear many of these listening to Jarvi's break-neck flurry. It does not provide sufficient resolution to document Kalinnikmov's notable effort.

I have no review for Symphony #2 to offer.