I'm actually sitting in the local public library while my 8 year old attends a workshop. So, now's as good a time as any to offer another post that's been sitting in the dock for awhile. I will come back to the reload of the Boult (previous post) later at home, where my files reside, I promise!
Two first symphonies here, both flawed to some extent, yet each containing interesting material just the same. Tchaikovsky's "Winter Dreams" and Kalinnikov's Symphony No. 1 have both had somewhat erratic histories and today languish out of the performing mainstream. Kalinnikov, especially, achieved some popularity 60 to 70 years ago, however his conservative style coupled with a tendency to offer "too much of good thing" has all but relegated him to obscurity. Too bad!
Not to fear! Yevgeny Svetlanov rescues both of these works from the routine and offers up a strong case on why they should be more centered within the repertoire. Idiomatic musicianship, exciting playing, and oh, that distinctive Russian sound make for a stirring listening experience. I said it before, I'll say it again, oh how I miss that once distinctive Russian orchestral experience! Both of these performances are from the last 60's, early 70's with Svetlanov's own Academic Symphony Orchestra of the USSR captured at the height of its Soviet era best. Sound is typical Melodiya; Tchaikovsky was released on Quintessence while the Kalinnikov appeared on Columbia Masterworks. All courtesy of the good old days of detente!