Nikolay Miaskovsky (1881-1950)

[Karl Henning]

I like the lot, but an immediate favorite was no. 13 in a minor.

[vandermolen]

I don't prefer the SQs to the symphonies but, like Karl, I think very highly of the 13th SQ.

[Irons]

a quick look at this thread and it seems the vast majority of the posts are about Myaskovsky's symphonies. Although I've listened to the odd one, it's not an area I've systematically investigated so far. On the other hand I have the Taneyev box of all string 13 quartets which has been something of a revelation. Although the works don't quite have the individuality of Weinberg or Shostakovich, they are most beautifully written, contain exquisite harmony and frequently have considerable depth of feeling. After the two above, they seem to me one of the most significant cycles of the century with perhaps nos. 7-9 at their heart although the slightly more modernistic 1 and 2 are also very interesting and, apart perhaps from the somewhat juvenile no. 4 (which was among the first to be written), none are entirely negligible.

Is there anyone who actually prefers the quartets to the symphonies and in which case, which are your particular favourites?

I find little correlation between the symphonies and string quartets. The former influenced by place and times Miaskovsky lived and experienced. For string quartets, I find more purity of music with less outside influences.
I like all of his string quartets with 6 and 11 being favourites along with the popular 13. If you have not already listen to Cello Sonata No.2 one of the best things Miaskovsky wrote. 

[lunar22]

curiously it was hearing a cello sonata in concert-- probably that one -- which led my wife to ask me if we could investigate the string quartets. Well reminded to listen to that work!

I also get the impression that the quartets are much more "pure music", which can't really be pinned down to a particular time or place, than the symphonies which are often programmatic. That seems to be somewhat less the case with Weinberg and Shosty where in some of the quartets at any rate, there are clear autobiographical features.

[vandermolen]

I think that the Cello Sonata No.2 is one of his finest works.

[foxandpeng]

a quick look at this thread and it seems the vast majority of the posts are about Myaskovsky's symphonies. Although I've listened to the odd one, it's not an area I've systematically investigated so far. On the other hand I have the Taneyev box of all string 13 quartets which has been something of a revelation. Although the works don't quite have the individuality of Weinberg or Shostakovich, they are most beautifully written, contain exquisite harmony and frequently have considerable depth of feeling. After the two above, they seem to me one of the most significant cycles of the century with perhaps nos. 7-9 at their heart although the slightly more modernistic 1 and 2 are also very interesting and, apart perhaps from the somewhat juvenile no. 4 (which was among the first to be written), none are entirely negligible.

Is there anyone who actually prefers the quartets to the symphonies and in which case, which are your particular favourites?

I spent a while last year (?) exploring the symphonies, but am yet to do the same with the SQs... on one of many long lists of future listening projects

[lunar22]

I like the lot, but an immediate favorite was no. 13 in a minor.

no 13 seems to be more recorded than the others. It seems to me a bit more extrovert and perhaps cheerful than the middle quartets which strike me as going slightly deeper -- nevertheless the faster movements, which can be a bit less inspired with Myaskovsky, are here a delight.

Incidentally, I quite often found with the earlier and middle period works (up to no,9) that they at times reminded me of French music and particularly Faure with a similar sensibility and harmonic colouring. Don't know if anyone else find this?

[kyjo]

I was very glad to have stumbled across this recording of an excellent live performance of Miaskovsky's Symphony No. 24 in F minor, with Vladimir Jurowski leading the "Svetlanov Symphony Orchestra" (never heard of them before, but they play very well): https://youtu.be/tQ_S7sR0Nnc?si=8flESC1oqYstWQ0s

I'm not the world's most ardent Miaskovsky fan, but I do have a particular affection for his 24th and 25th symphonies. The 24th (1943) does seem to reflect a bit of the tension and tragedy of WWII, though not as overtly as Shostakovich's 8th or Prokofiev's 6th, for instance. As is often the case with his symphonies, I found the deeply-felt slow movement to be the highlight (I also felt this way when listening to the 17th recently). It has an unforced gravitas and humanity and rises to a truly gripping, extended climax. Though the outer movements may have their "academic" moments, they are still quite effective, and the resigned/hopeful quiet ending is quite touching.

IMO this performance by Jurowski easily outclasses the three commercially available ones: Svetlanov/Alto, Yablonsky/Naxos, and Titov/Northern Flowers. He gets his orchestra to play with intensity and weight where appropriate, but without the "brashness" that sometimes afflicts Svetlanov's recordings. If only Jurowski would record more Miaskovsky - I feel like he could easily change my mind about some of the symphonies that I'm indifferent about!

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

I was very glad to have stumbled across this recording of an excellent live performance of Miaskovsky's Symphony No. 24 in F minor, with Vladimir Jurowski leading the "Svetlanov Symphony Orchestra" (never heard of them before, but they play very well): https://youtu.be/tQ_S7sR0Nnc?si=8flESC1oqYstWQ0s

I'm not the world's most ardent Miaskovsky fan, but I do have a particular affection for his 24th and 25th symphonies. The 24th (1943) does seem to reflect a bit of the tension and tragedy of WWII, though not as overtly as Shostakovich's 8th or Prokofiev's 6th, for instance. As is often the case with his symphonies, I found the deeply-felt slow movement to be the highlight (I also felt this way when listening to the 17th recently). It has an unforced gravitas and humanity and rises to a truly gripping, extended climax. Though the outer movements may have their "academic" moments, they are still quite effective, and the resigned/hopeful quiet ending is quite touching.

IMO this performance by Jurowski easily outclasses the three commercially available ones: Svetlanov/Alto, Yablonsky/Naxos, and Titov/Northern Flowers. He gets his orchestra to play with intensity and weight where appropriate, but without the "brashness" that sometimes afflicts Svetlanov's recordings. If only Jurowski would record more Miaskovsky - I feel like he could easily change my mind about some of the symphonies that I'm indifferent about!

Like you, I'm not a huge fan of Myaskovsky, but there's no question that Jurowski has an ear for everything he conducts. An entire cycle from Jurowski of Myaskovsky's symphonic cycle could very well be what tips the scale for me, but, of course, this isn't ever going to happen. Svetlanov is the only game in town when it comes to a complete survey of these 27 symphonies.

[foxandpeng]

Miaskovsky's later symphonies carry weight with me. Not those alone, but those particularly. I'm a recent discoverer of his work, but count him as a pleasurable addition to the oeuvre.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

Miaskovsky's later symphonies carry weight with me. Not those alone, but those particularly. I'm a recent discoverer of his work, but count him as a pleasurable addition to the oeuvre.

Yes, those later symphonies are what resonate with me the most as well. The 27th is something else. Wow!

[foxandpeng]

Yes, those later symphonies are what resonate with me the most as well. The 27th is something else. Wow!

One of my favourites, also!