Seasons Ballet

It seems as though Glazunov is getting a good deal of attention as of late, with a multiple of new recordings of his music that were issued in the past year (believe me, the surge is most welcome, for like other reviewers of this disc, its neglect is baffling). Truth to tell, it has been quite a while since accounts of his works, particularly the Fifth Symphony, are given with such flair and freshness as they are here. Not that Serebrier's approach is entirely unadorned, but that's to its advantages. Take the climax (at 7'20") of the Symphony's first movement, how grand the approach is without being undercharged. Although Borodin's influence is noticeable throughout, Serebrier would have you think twice. This is pure Glazunov plain and simple under the great Maestro's hands. And how sweet the lyricism is particularly in the Scherzo. The andante is well played also, though not emotionally as heartwarming as in Svetlanov's and Fedoseyev's recordings (the brass interceptions are especially poignant and tragic in these fine vintage Melodiya albums). But Serebrier held his ground well, as in the case in the Finale, which is superbly done and very much reminds me of Jarvi and Svetlanov in their overall takes. Exemplary, particularly at the climaxes and the finising bars of the work (though I'm still finding myself thrilled of how emphatic Jarvi is in the six-note Tchaikovskian closing).

The same amount of praises are warranted in Serebrier's take of "Vremena Goda" ("The Seasons"). This is Glazunov at his best (and those who deem the score as an equal to "The Nutcracker" are not insane). It is, as typical with the composer's music, a very demanding work and treating it too straightforwardly would rob some of its delicate yet highly imaginative qualities. Most conductors, particularly Jarvi in Chandos, succeed in bringing out the intricate details of the piece to full effects. There are no exceptions of it here, where Serebrier allows the music to flow, very much like what Svetlanov did in his 1978 EMI recording. Jarvi's rendition have more excitability and brisk (the Bacchanal and the Scene III's coda leading up to it are the best on record). But there are plenty of virtures to be found here, as this recording may well set new standards. As in the Chandos disc, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra responds with plenty of warmth and exuberance for Serebrier. The recording sound is first class and the album is well indexed and presented. My only hope is for the same team to record Glazunov's other works like, say, his Sixth Symphony and perhaps even "Raymonda."

Obviously, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra has Russian music on their collective blood. They play Glazunov as if their lives depended on it. It makes you hand from every breath, like a novel you can't put away. Glazunov. in these superb performances comes out triumphant as a truly major Russian master, of the level of Tchaikowsky and Rachmaninoff. The music is well contructed and so rich in memorable melodies that one has to wonder why it has taken so long to make it into the mainstream. There are several versions coming all at once in the market from labels such as Chandos, BIS and Naxos. The

performances here by Jose Serebrier and the RSNO, on Warner Classics, is the only one to consider seriously. I know. I own them all, and this new version is on a class of its own. The

performances are passionate, powerful, full of intensity. And yet there is a calculated continuity at work. Congratulations to Warners and to the recording team for the beautiful, clar sound. A true demonstration recording!

Ralph Brown

England

I was never attracted to the music of this still rather neglected Russian master. The bits and pieces one hears

sounded like watered-down Tchaikovsky. I was not aware

of the great impact this music could make under the

right hands. What a wonderful surprise! The magnificent

performances that conductor Jose Serebrier emanates

from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra are a

revelation. The music suddenly comes alive, from the

first note.

The 5th symphony by Glazunov, in this performance, is

revealed as a great neglected masterpice, which should

have its place among the concert favorites of works by

Dvorak and Tchaikovsky. This music has everything: drama,

beautiful melodies, originality.

The famous ballet music for The Seasons is a complete joy.

Jose Serebrier lets the music flow and breathe, and the

orchestra comes across as one of the very best European

ensembles. I have the previous version of this work,

recorded years ago by the same orchestra on Chandos, with

Neeme Jarvi, and it doesn't sound at all like the same

orchestra. The old recording is serviceable at best, and

uninspired. Serebrier's new version reveals the great

beauty of the music and it is also performed to perfection.

I highly recommend this recording.

R.A.

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