Boris Tchaikovsky - Symphony No 2; Aram Khachaturian - Ode in Memory of Lenin

 Boris Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 

Khachaturian: Ode in Memory of Lenin; Gayane Suite

Boris Tchaikovsky

Symphony No. 2

Moscow Philharmonic

Kirill Kondrashin

1. Molto Allegro - Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra

2. Largo. Andante - Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra

3. Allegretto - Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra

Aram Khachaturian

4. Ode In Memory Of Lenin 

5. Song-Poem - Naum Walter

6. Sabre-Dance - Naum Walter

Boris Tchaikovsky (1925-1996) was among the most important Soviet composers who emerged after the 1950s. He studied piano and composition at the Gnessin School and College of Music. He went on to further his studies at the Moscow Conservatory under Vissarion Shebalin, Shostakovich, Rakov, & Nikolai Myaskovsky from 1943-1949. Shostakovich was in particular impressed by Tchaikovsky's musical development and talent.

Uniquely, Boris Tchaikovsky wrote for the most part monumental works (his piano output is small). His Second Symphony, an example of the scope of his works, was composed in 1967, the same period which witnessed the composition of Shchedrin's Second Symphony, Nikolayev's Fifth, Vainberg's Sixth symphony, Shostakovich Thirteenth, and Lyatoshynsky Fourth and Fifth. It is cast in three movements & its duration is close to 52 minutes. It is a very modern work, although its idiom is not as Avant-Garde as compared to, say, works of Denisov and Schnikke written during that period. It begins with the playing of the pizzicato of the strings (though it sounds like balalaikas). The full strings enter before the full orchestra joins in. One theme is followed by the next (like variations, although not traditionally). Towards the end of the first movement, Tchaikovsky quoted fragments from Mozart's Clarinet Quintet, Beethoven's String Quartet in C Minor, Bach's St. Matthew Passion (alto aria), & Schumann's In der Nacht. The second movement is quiet and meditative, though with a touch of uneasiness. The finale is in a form of a rondo, with varied themes (like in the first movement), handled with utmost ingenuity.

The performance of Kyrill Kondrashin and the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra is full of blister and conviction. The winds especially are of full force and virtuosity, particularly for some of the most demanding passages in the first movement. The recording, slightly raw & thin, is enjoyable enough.

The fillers, namely Aram Khachaturian's Ode in Memory of Lenin, Song Poem for Violin & Piano, & the Sabre Dance (arranged for piano & violin) passes the time pleasantly yet interestingly, all performed agreeably here.

A highly recommendable disc then, with The Tchaikovsky's Second Symphony being the main attraction. Should I hope for the reissue of Tchaikovsky's other works, such as his moving Third Symphony and The Wind of Siberia?