Theme

Vladimir Martynov is one of the most prominent Russian composers. He calls himself a minimalist in the truest sense of the word. His compositions are nostalgic sound meditations to the present and past. His odd evocative musical pieces are influenced by American minimal music, and they are mixed with neo-classical music and post-Romantisism. Martynov is an admirer of old, polyphonic choir music and classical masters like Schubert, Mahler, and Bach. A classical beauty that Martynov seems to want to stretch out indefinitely. At the beginning of this year, he turned 75. In this episode of ‘Theme’, we’ll listen to several pieces from his repertoire; we’ll feature works for chamber ensemble and chamber orchestra. Finally, we’ll listen to his masterful passion-cycle Passionlieder from 2004.

Playlist:

Vladimir Martynov:

1. ‘The Beautitudes’ (1998/2006), for string quartet, on Kronos Quartet: Music of Vladimir Martynov. Kronos Quartet. Nonesuch 7559-79627-9 CD

2-4. ‘Come In!’ (1988), part 1 – 3, for chamber orchestra, solo violin and celesta, on Vladimir Martynov: Come In! Ensemble Opus Posth. Conducted by Tatiana Grindenko (solo violin). CCn’C Records 01412 CD

5. ’L’après midi du Bach’ (2000), for chamber orchestra, on Vladimir Martynov: Come In! Ensemble Opus Posth. Conducted by Tatiana Grindenko. CCn’C Records 01412 CD

6-7. ‘Schubert-Quintet (Unfinished)’ in two parts (2009), for string quintet, on Kronos Quartet: Music of Vladimir Martynov. Kronos Quartet + Joan Jeanrenaud (cello). Nonesuch 7559-79627-9 CD

8. ‘Autumn Ball of the Elves’ (1994), for chamber orchestra, on Vladimir Martynov: Come In! Ensemble Opus Posth. Conducted by Tatiana Grindenko. CCn’C Records 01412 CD

9-17. ‘Passionslieder’ (2004) for soprano and chamber orchestra, on Vladimir Martynov: Passionslieder. Ensemble Opus Posth. Conducted by Tatiana Grindenko (solo violin) + Galina Muradova (soprano). CCn’C Records 04617 CD