Intégrale des symphonies

Description

Glazounov's symphonies have never achieved the notoriety and popularity that their rich inspiration and formal mastery deserve. The complete set recorded by Neeme Järvi nearly forty years ago undoubtedly provides the best approach. The Estonian maestro benefited from the contributions of two of the best German orchestras, Bamberg and the Bavarian Radio Orchestra. Gone are the vibrant, if not shrill, brass of Russian orchestras in favor of a powerful and grand harmonic splendor; also forgotten are the folkloristic and reductive versions in favor of an interpretation that highlights the lyricism and formal perfection of these Olympian pages. A supplementary CD offers a glimpse into the lighter Glazounov, the composer of ballets that owe much to Tchaikovsky. To rediscover a master of Russian symphony, chronologically situated between Tchaikovsky and Miaskovsky, there is no better guide than Neeme Järvi at the height of his art. (Richard Wander)