Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Nikolai Myaskovsky with his "Cello Concerto and Symphonies" album, released on May 5, 2009, under the X5 Music Group label. This captivating collection spans over two and a half hours, offering a deep dive into the symphonic and concertante works of one of Russia's most significant 20th-century composers.
The album opens with Myaskovsky's poignant Cello Concerto in C Minor, Op. 66, featuring the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Vladimir Fedoseyev, with Victor Simon on cello. The concerto's two movements, "Lento ma non troppo" and "Allegro vivace," showcase Myaskovsky's lyrical depth and structural ingenuity.
The symphonic journey continues with three of Myaskovsky's symphonies, each revealing his unique voice and mastery of the orchestral form. Symphony No. 15 in D Minor, Op. 38, unfolds in four movements, from the impassioned "Andante - Allegro appasionata" to the spirited "Allegro molto, ma con garbo." Symphony No. 26 in C Major on a Russian Theme, Op. 79, presents a more introspective side, with its "Andante sostenuto" and "Adagio maestoso" movements. Symphony No. 21 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 51, is performed in one continuous movement, offering a seamless exploration of Myaskovsky's harmonic language.
The album also includes two bonus tracks: the lively "Overture in G Major, Op. 9" and the dramatic "Symphony No. 10 in F Minor, Op. 30, 'The Bronze Horseman,'" performed in one movement. These works further highlight Myaskovsky's versatility and his ability to blend Russian musical traditions with Western symphonic forms.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album provides a rich and rewarding exploration of Myaskovsky's symphonic and concertante output, performed by some of Russia's finest musicians.