Glazunov: Symphonies (Complete); Cantatas; Famous Ballet Music; Violin Concerto [Box Set]

Glazunov: Symphonies (Complete); Cantatas; Famous Ballet Music; Violin Concerto [Box Set]

Glazunov: Symphonies (Complete); Cantatas; Famous Ballet Music; Violin Concerto [Box Set]
List Price: $34.99
Our Price: $32.63
You Save: $2.36 (7%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks
Category: Music CD
See more CD details
Listen soundtracks from this album



(Click here)
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store

CD Details

Composer: Alexander Glazunov
Conductor: Valery Polyansky
Conductor: Tadaaki Otaka
Conductor: Yolando Butt
Performer: Ludmila Kuznetsova
Orchestra: Russian State Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra: BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
Performer: Olga Lutsiv-Ternovskaya
Performer: Vsevolod Grivnov
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
Format: Box set
CD Release Date: 2008-02-05
Music Label: Brilliant Classics
Soundtracks:
Music CD 1
  1. Symphony no 1 in E major, Op. 5 'Slavic'
  2. Symphony no 1 in E major, Op. 5 'Slavic'
  3. Symphony no 1 in E major, Op. 5 'Slavic'
  4. Symphony no 1 in E major, Op. 5 'Slavic'
  5. Concerto for Violin in A minor, Op. 82
  6. Concerto for Violin in A minor, Op. 82
  7. Concerto for Violin in A minor, Op. 82
Music CD 2
  1. Symphony no 2 in F sharp minor, Op. 16
  2. Symphony no 2 in F sharp minor, Op. 16
  3. Symphony no 2 in F sharp minor, Op. 16
  4. Symphony no 2 in F sharp minor, Op. 16
  5. Coronation Cantata, Op. 56
  6. Coronation Cantata, Op. 56
  7. Coronation Cantata, Op. 56
  8. Coronation Cantata, Op. 56
  9. Coronation Cantata, Op. 56
  10. Coronation Cantata, Op. 56
  11. Coronation Cantata, Op. 56
Music CD 3
  1. Symphony no 3 in D major, Op. 33
  2. Symphony no 3 in D major, Op. 33
  3. Symphony no 3 in D major, Op. 33
  4. Symphony no 3 in D major, Op. 33
  5. Concert Waltz no 1 in D major, Op. 47
  6. Concert Waltz no 2 in F major, Op. 51
Music CD 4
  1. Symphony no 4 in E flat major, Op. 48
  2. Symphony no 4 in E flat major, Op. 48
  3. Symphony no 4 in E flat major, Op. 48
  4. Symphony no 5 in B flat major, Op. 55
  5. Symphony no 5 in B flat major, Op. 55
  6. Symphony no 5 in B flat major, Op. 55
  7. Symphony no 5 in B flat major, Op. 55
Music CD 5
  1. Symphony no 6 in C minor, Op. 58
  2. Symphony no 6 in C minor, Op. 58
  3. Symphony no 6 in C minor, Op. 58
  4. Symphony no 6 in C minor, Op. 58
  5. Characteristic Suite, Op. 9
  6. Characteristic Suite, Op. 9
  7. Characteristic Suite, Op. 9
  8. Characteristic Suite, Op. 9
  9. Characteristic Suite, Op. 9
  10. Characteristic Suite, Op. 9
  11. Characteristic Suite, Op. 9
Music CD 6
  1. Symphony no 7 in F major, Op. 77 'Pastorale'
  2. Symphony no 7 in F major, Op. 77 'Pastorale'
  3. Symphony no 7 in F major, Op. 77 'Pastorale'
  4. Symphony no 7 in F major, Op. 77 'Pastorale'
  5. Raymonda Suite, Op. 57a
  6. Raymonda Suite, Op. 57a
  7. Raymonda Suite, Op. 57a
  8. Raymonda Suite, Op. 57a
  9. Raymonda Suite, Op. 57a
  10. Raymonda Suite, Op. 57a
  11. Raymonda Suite, Op. 57a
Music CD 7
  1. Symphony no 8 in E flat major, Op. 83
  2. Symphony no 8 in E flat major, Op. 83
  3. Symphony no 8 in E flat major, Op. 83
  4. Symphony no 8 in E flat major, Op. 83
  5. Cantata in Memory of Pushkin's 100th Birthday, Op. 65
  6. Cantata in Memory of Pushkin's 100th Birthday, Op. 65
  7. Cantata in Memory of Pushkin's 100th Birthday, Op. 65
  8. Cantata in Memory of Pushkin's 100th Birthday, Op. 65
  9. Cantata in Memory of Pushkin's 100th Birthday, Op. 65
  10. Lyric Poem, Op. 12

Music reviews of Glazunov: Symphonies (Complete); Cantatas; Famous Ballet Music; Violin Concerto [Box Set]

Music Review: Glazunov's symphonies seductively performed, and at a seductive price!
Rating: 5 Stars

Lovers of Borodin, Rimsky-Korsakov and early Tchaikovsky should waste no time in snapping up this astonishing bargain box. Glazunov lived to see himself considered an anachronism by enfants terribles like Prokofiev and Stravinsky. Nevertheless, despite the "wisdom" of received opinion, he DID grow as a composer. In the first movement of No.6, one hears harmonic progressions that became characteristic of the young Scriabin. No.8, perhaps his greatest symphony, has a great deal of the kind of pomp and angst one associates with Elgar.

Glazunov's symphonies have enjoyed a revival in the last 15 years. Collectors can choose among complete digital sets by Anissimov, Otaka and the present one by Polyansky. As of this date, Serebrier is about halfway through his series, and is getting very positive reviews. Svetlanov's series was briefly available on LP, and from internet scuttlebutt, I gather that Fedoseyev completed his too.

This set by Valeri Polyansky and the Russian State Symphony Orchestra is unquestionably the biggest bargain of the lot, but would be among the top picks at ANY price. Even Anissimov's series on NAXOS sells for more, and, although the Moscow Symphony is a first-rate orchestra, the performances are capable but routine. Polyansky's set costs about as much as two of Serebrier's discs put together. Even Otaka's bargain-priced box sells for more, but is shorn of the valuable fillers the discs had in their single CD releases.

The amazingly low price of this BRILLIANT set would count for nothing if the performances weren't so terrific. Polyansky's tempi are usually brisker than Anissimov's, although not always. The opening of No.1 is actually slower, adding Brahmsian breadth, yet it feels authentically Russian. (FYI, from an examination of timings, it looks like Serebrier's tempi are only slightly slower or quicker than Polyansky's, with the exception of slow movements, where Serebrier is sometimes MUCH broader.)

In Glazunov, Polyansky reveals himself as a master of the carefully built long climax. He never gives too much too soon, controlling himself and the orchestra, knowing when to back off in order to return with renewed intensity again and again. This is NOT to say that he is subdued--these vivid performances alternately caress, entice, generate sparks, and thunder--always at the right moment.

His rubato is sensuous and expressive. It does not draw attention to itself--it is not "posed for the camera"--and yet, the listener's sensibilities are ravished without knowing why. Music like this can easily degenerate into mere sound bathing. Polyansky never relaxes his grip on the structure, and points it in the right direction with riveting effect.

The Russian State Symphony Orchestra is a superb instrumental body. Gone are the days of Russian orchestras with nasal woodwinds, and saxophone-like horns. CHANDOS' sound is voluptuous--rich yet bright, full yet transparent--even the low bass has definition. There is also just enough hall ambience to surround the orchestra with a tingling shimmer without a hint of opacity. It's the aural equivalent of laying back in tsarist luxuriousness on a cushioned red velvet divan trimmed with gold braid and tassels, yet the effect is never suffocating or heavy.

Disappointingly, Polyansky didn't record No.7--that gap is plugged here, oddly, with a performance from the complete set by Otaka and the BBC Symphony of Wales! Luckily, it is excellent, and certainly more lissome than Anissimov. Compared to the RSSO, the strings are leaner, the brass, a little darker, and there is less hall ambiance. Why wasn't Polyansky's series completed? Oh, to have been a fly on the wall during the dealings among BRILLIANT, CHANDOS and BIS! How BRILLIANT gets labels to cooperate like this, I can't imagine, especially in this case, where Otaka's and Polyansky's competing bargain boxes were re-issued almost simultaneously. Let's be grateful to all concerned for this beneficial compromise!

Adding to the outrageous attractiveness of Polyansky's set are generous fillers--foremost is an excellent performance of the Violin Concerto. Other items are a suite from the ballet "Raymonda" (with Yondani Butt and the London Symphony Orchestra), two rare cantatas, and various short works. The chorus and the singers are good, although soprano Olga Lutsiv-Ternovskaya sometimes has a little trouble negotiating the upper reaches of the unexpectedly somewhat Italianate coloratura writing on CD#2, track 10, beginning at about 2:45.

The only thing that would have made this set even more attractive would have been the inclusion of Yudin's orchestration of the surviving fragment of No.9. The solution is to buy Anissimov's Symphony No.3, which is coupled with this fragment (Glazunov: Symphonies 3 & 9).

Even if one intends to wait two or three years and see how Serebrier's series turns out, this excellent set is available NOW, and at this price, there's no reason to hesitate! Go for it!

Update of August 28, 2009: Today I noticed that Serebrier has completed his Glazunov series. I haven't heard any of it, so I can't be of help with a comparison. I can say that I wasn't disappointed with Polyansky--in fact, quite the opposite! Nevertheless, Serebrier's series has been garnering raves, so I guess it boils down to price. It's puzzling that the final volume containing Symphonies 1, 2, 3 and the fragment of 9 is described on AMAZON as being on a single CD--surely this is a misprint--it would HAVE to be TWO!
More Glazunov: Symphonies (Complete); Cantatas; Famous Ballet Music; Violin Concerto [Box Set] free music reviews:
1

Description of Glazunov: Symphonies (Complete); Cantatas; Famous Ballet Music; Violin Concerto [Box Set]

All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Classical CDs

Music Genres
Bestsellers in Classical CDs
Winterscapes ImageWinterscapes
by London Philharmonic
Prophetic Voice; Published: 2000-07; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $2.74
Price in other shops: $6.99
The Queen, the Bear, & the Bumblebee ImageThe Queen, the Bear, & the Bumblebee
by Dini Petty
Children's Group; Published: 2001-03; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $13.38
Price in other shops: $13.98
Beethoven Lives Upstairs Cdr ImageClassical Kids - Beethoven Lives Upstairs Cdr
Release date: 2000-04-05; Music CD
Best price: $24.97
Tchaikovsky (Life and Works (Naxos)) ImageTchaikovsky (Life and Works (Naxos))
by Malcolm Sinclair, Jeremy Siepmann
Naxos; Published: 2003-11; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $35.99
Jose Carreras - Jubileum Concert [VHS] ImageJose Carreras - Jose Carreras - Jubileum Concert [VHS]
Sling Shot; Release date: 2000-04-18; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $5.86
Price in other shops: $9.99
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Nureyev, Park, Royal Ballet [VHS] ImageTchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Nureyev, Park, Royal Ballet [VHS]
Kultur Video; Release date: 1997-09-09; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $29.90
Price in other shops: $29.95
Lonely Town Lonley Street / Sergeant's Early Dream [VHS] ImageRambert Dance Company - Lonely Town Lonley Street / Sergeant's Early Dream [VHS]
Kultur Video; Release date: 1997-10-28; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $14.99
Price in other shops: $29.95
Winter Music: Composing the North ImageWinter Music: Composing the North
by John Luther Adams
Wesleyan; Published: 2004-11-10; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $25.43
Price in other shops: $25.95
Puccini - La Fanciulla del West / Santi, Domingo, Neblett, Royal Opera Covent Garden [VHS] ImagePuccini - La Fanciulla del West / Santi, Domingo, Neblett, Royal Opera Covent Garden [VHS]
Kultur Video; Release date: 1999-05-25; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $6.38
Price in other shops: $29.95
Verdi - Falstaff / Giulini, Bruson, Ricciarelli, Nucci, Royal Opera Covent Garden [VHS] ImageVerdi - Falstaff / Giulini, Bruson, Ricciarelli, Nucci, Royal Opera Covent Garden [VHS]
Kultur Video; Release date: 1999-05-25; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $12.95
Price in other shops: $29.95
Similar CDs
Complete Piano Concertos & Symphonies ImageComplete Piano Concertos & Symphonies
Release date: 2011-06-28; Music CD
Best price: $11.61
Price in other shops: $16.99
The Essential Borodin ImageThe Essential Borodin
Release date: 1997-10-20; Music CD
Best price: $6.51
Price in other shops: $15.98
Rimsky-Korsakov: 5 Operas ImageRimsky-Korsakov: 5 Operas
Release date: 2011-04-19; Music CD
Best price: $37.61
Price in other shops: $59.98
Glinka: Orchestral Works ImageGlinka: Orchestral Works
Release date: 2001-01-23; Music CD
Best price: $12.51
Price in other shops: $18.99
Mahler: The Complete Works - 150th Anniversary Box ImageLondon Philharmonic Orchestra - Mahler: The Complete Works - 150th Anniversary Box
Release date: 2010-06-29; Music CD
Best price: $35.85
Price in other shops: $77.98
Balakirev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Piano Concerto, Op. 1; King Lear Overture; In Bohemia; Tamara ImageBalakirev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2; Piano Concerto, Op. 1; King Lear Overture; In Bohemia; Tamara
Release date: 2005-11-22; Music CD
Best price: $13.78
Price in other shops: $18.99
Hugo Alfven: Symphonies Nos. 1-5; Swedish Rhapsodies [Box Set] ImageRoyal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra - Hugo Alfven: Symphonies Nos. 1-5; Swedish Rhapsodies [Box Set]
Release date: 2011-10-25; Music CD
Best price: $17.45
Price in other shops: $24.99
"Rimsky-Korsakov: The Complete Symphonies; Russian Easter Festival Overture; Capriccio Espagnol [Germany]" Image"Rimsky-Korsakov: The Complete Symphonies; Russian Easter Festival Overture; Capriccio Espagnol [Germany]"
Release date: 2002-01-02; Music CD
Best price: $8.30
Price in other shops: $15.98
Alexander Glazunov: The Seasons ImageAlexander Glazunov: The Seasons
Release date: 1993-08-24; Music CD
Best price: $6.59
Price in other shops: $9.98
Complete Concertos ImageComplete Concertos
Release date: 2011-04-26; Music CD
Best price: $10.60
Price in other shops: $20.98
Compare prices and find music notes for more than one million Music CD titles