Russian Romanticism: Borodin, Kalinnikov, Rachmaninov
An hour filled with Russian Romanticism. We will start with Symphony No. 1 by Alexander Borodin, who composed in his spare time. He was a chemist as his day job. His symphonies and his chamber music are magnificent. You will hear the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra play Symphony No. 1 in a recording conducted by Gergiev from 1989, the year of his appointment as permanent guest conductor in the port city, and two years after his debut in the Saturday Matinee. This large and impressive orchestral work is followed by two intermezzos for orchestra by Kalinnikov by the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Neeme Järvi. An exciting but rather unknown composition. The same applies to Rachmaninov’s Scherzo, which he completed at the age of 13. It was his first attempt at a serious piece. The Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Mariss Jansons, will play it for you. Finally, you will hear his Vocalise, which is probably this great Russian composer’s best-known melody. Slowly but stately, the notes float through the orchestra.
Playlist:
- Alexander Borodin – Symphony No. 1 in E-flat major
Rotterdam Philharmonisch Orchestra conducted by Valery Gergiev - Vasily Kalinnikov – Two Intermezzos 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
