Glazunov: Symphonies 3 & 9

Enjoyable 9th Symphony

Having purchased just about all of the Naxos Glazunov series, I feel that this particular CD is one of the most enjoyable. The 3rd Sym. spins on for quite awhile, buouyed by youthful, melodic bouquets. While Glazunov's 2nd Sym. seems a little pastiche (though I feel the finale to that work is enjoyable) with various changes from lyrical to epic the 3rd symphony is well balanced. The tradeoff for me is that the themes are not as memorable as the 2nd or the 4th Symphony's first movement. Nonetheless, the structure to the 3rd Symphony is impeccable.
The 9th Symphony shows a stressed and anguished side to Glazunov's creativity. It begins darkly, then the music turns sweet and progresses along standard lines before seamlessly returning to a resigned, bleak character. As Glazunov never found it within himself to finish the symphony, this one movement work appears to be a fitting summation and criticism of his changing times. I thoroughly enjoy both symphonies and heartily recommend this to anyone interested in melody--it's very tuneful music. July 3, 2007

Glazunov shows some maturity

The final movement shows in particular growth in the development of a theme. Put in other terms, the work is done more in the organized spirit of the symphonic form. The last movement methodically works a central theme, but you always have Glazunov's brillant orchestration, which some have said exceeds that of Rimsky-Korsakov. The whole Naxos series, by the way, offers great value when one considers, price, audio qualities (Naxos is a large company that afford the techical expertise.) and the performance of the conductor and his orchestra. On a value basis, I would add the fifth star to my rating. If you like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, or Borodin in the symnphonic realm, you will find something to like here. October 30, 2006

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