Anatoly Lyadov (1855 - 1914)

[vandermolen]

Years ago the commentator on an LP of Liadov's orchestral miniatures compared the composer to the fictional Oblomov the main character of a great satiric novel of the same name by Goncharov.

It takes several pages at the begininng of the book for Oblomov just to get out of bed!  One is reminded of Diaghilev's story about asking Liadov how much progress had been made on the new ballet: months had passed.

"Oh, I just bought some music paper today!" said Liadov.

Diaghilev hired Stravinsky instead.   0:)

Yes, the Oblomov comparison is very appropriate for Liadov - I relate to that character too 

[Rabbity Baxter]

Last week I found the two volume edition from the late 40s of Lyadov's complete piano works, edited by Igumnov and Milshteyn, for the equivalent of about 12 euros! Very pleased, but now have to carry them across Ukraine, Slovakia and Czech republic on tour for a month, and they are quite heavy.

The last pieces, op.64, are particularly pleasing since they demonstrate that Scriabin's middle and later language was probably just one incarnation of harmonic common practice in Russia in the early 20th century. They also show, to me at any rate, how composers from the post-Rimsky school (i.e. Lyadov, N Cherepnin, early Stravinsky, Steinberg, Blumenfeld etc) were often just as close in technical and aesthetic terms to Scriabin as they were to their teacher Rimsky-Korsakov.

[Mirror Image]

Thought I would resurrect this thread to say I'm still in awe over this composer even though I know that he's not a "ground-breaking" composer, but this was never a prerequisite of mine in order to enjoy music. His music speaks directly to me. That kind of fairy-tale, folk-like lyricism that runs deep through his music is just so damn addictive! It's like a piece of saltwater taffy, you know you've got to quit eating it, but the more you eat it the better it tastes and you crave more. I think I listened to the Sinaisky disc on Chandos when I first bought about 9 or 10 times all the way through back-to-back. It's the only disc of Lyadov that I own and I don't see this one being topped anytime soon.

I guess my only question right now is why isn't his music more widely performed? I think his music would be a hit with concert goers.

[mc ukrneal]

Thought I would resurrect this thread to say I'm still in awe over this composer even though I know that he's not a "ground-breaking" composer, but this was never a prerequisite of mine in order to enjoy music. His music speaks directly to me. That kind of fairy-tale, folk-like lyricism that runs deep through his music is just so damn addictive! It's like a piece of saltwater taffy, you know you've got to quit eating it, but the more you eat it the better it tastes and you crave more. I think I listened to the Sinaisky disc on Chandos when I first bought about 9 or 10 times all the way through back-to-back. It's the only disc of Lyadov that I own and I don't see this one being topped anytime soon.

I guess my only question right now is why isn't his music more widely performed? I think his music would be a hit with concert goers.

Brilliant recently released a set of the full piano works (5 discs worth). It's on my wish list.

[Mirror Image]

Brilliant recently released a set of the full piano works (5 discs worth). It's on my wish list.

I'm more interested with what a composer can do with an orchestra or ensemble. Solo piano has never been on my list of priorities.

[vandermolen]

There's a recently released 'complete orchestral works' - two CDs on Brilliant Classics which is very good.

[asin]B0044ZQ8LC[/asin]

[Brian]

I guess my only question right now is why isn't his music more widely performed? I think his music would be a hit with concert goers.

I've actually heard Liadov live several times - his short works make great concert-openers. It's not in my listening logs, so it must have been before 2010, but I know the Houston Symphony once did 'Baba Yaga,' 'The Enchanted Lake' and 'Kikimora' to open a program. The ending of 'Baba Yaga' got a very hearty laugh from the audience.

[cilgwyn]

This thread takes me back. I remember sending off for the Svetlanov Melodiya Lp. I bought it from the 'Russian Record Company',who used to advertise in Gramophone,when it still took a while to read! It had a spooky forest on the cover & I remember playing it again and again,along with Svetlanov's equally wonderful Melodiya recording of the famous Balakirev symphony.
Wish I'd kept the Lp's now,after what happened to the old USSR. Collectors items now. Although,not the sort of thing that would turn me into a rich man.
The recording included his 'From the Apocalypse',which isn't usually regarded as one of Lyadov's best. Svetlanov made it sound very sombre and dramatic,almost like a Dore engraving in sound. He probably made it sound allot better than it was,but I loved it. What a pity Lyadov was so indolent?
Must admit to being a bit of a fan of those old soviet recordings,'warts and all!'

[Sergeant Rock]

'Kikimora' to open a program. The ending of 'Baba Yaga' got a very hearty laugh from the audience.

Several years ago my local band (the Rheinland-Pfalz) opened a concert with Kikimora. First time I heard it...and it was love at first listen. It's ending too provoked some appreciative titters in the audience 


Sarge

[mc ukrneal]

This thread takes me back. I remember sending off for the Svetlanov Melodiya Lp. I bought it from the 'Russian Record Company',who used to advertise in Gramophone,when it still took a while to read! It had a spooky forest on the cover & I remember playing it again and again,along with Svetlanov's equally wonderful Melodiya recording of the famous Balakirev symphony.
Wish I'd kept the Lp's now,after what happened to the old USSR. Collectors items now. Although,not the sort of thing that would turn me into a rich man.
The recording included his 'From the Apocalypse',which isn't usually regarded as one of Lyadov's best. Svetlanov made it sound very sombre and dramatic,almost like a Dore engraving in sound. He probably made it sound allot better than it was,but I loved it. What a pity Lyadov was so indolent?
Must admit to being a bit of a fan of those old soviet recordings,'warts and all!'

It was later released on a series of twofers that didn't last too long on the market I think (with a mix of composers and pieces). For example some of those can be found here:
[asin]B000001HDC[/asin]
More can be found on the sister disc - Russian Moods.

[cilgwyn]

Not a bad collection. But the original pieces went to so well together. Maybe Regis,alto or Brilliant could reissue the collection? Although they would probably add something as a fill up. (Not sure about the currency of alto or Regis at the moment).
Hopefully,the relaunched Melodiya will start delving into some of their less familiar back catalogue before long.
Actually,I think the Chandos cd has the best selection,for my money. I hope the performances are better than their Kabalevsky efforts.

[Mirror Image]

Actually,I think the Chandos cd has the best selection,for my money. I hope the performances are better than their Kabalevsky efforts.

The Lyadov/Sinaisky recording on Chandos is the only Lyadov disc I own and I honestly don't see these being bettered anytime soon.

[asin]B00005J71I[/asin]

[Mirror Image]

There's a recently released 'complete orchestral works' - two CDs on Brilliant Classics which is very good.

[asin]B0044ZQ8LC[/asin]

Which is better performed this disc or the Sinaisky, Jeffery?

[cilgwyn]

Looking at the track listings for the Chandos. I like the arrangement & selection of the pieces. Baba Yaga,then 'From the Apocalypse' make  nice dramatic,colourful openers. A polonaise for a bit of light relief,then the shimmering impressionism of 'The Enchanted Lake',followed by a little more light relief in the form of a Mazurka. After that you get more spooky antics with the wonderful tone poem Kikimora,and to round of the cd The Eight Russian Folk songs & one or two other lighter pieces. To my way of thinking,the Brilliant cd includes allot of 'padding'.
I'd still recommend the old Melodiya recordings I described in my previous post for that wonderful soviet brass & the sheer atmosphere the performances generate. But some people are allergic to anything from the old 'commie bloc' and since it's unavailable there really isn't much point me recommending it,is there?!!!!

[Mirror Image]

Looking at the track listings for the Chandos. I like the arrangement & selection of the pieces. Baba Yaga,then 'From the Apocalypse' make  nice dramatic,colourful openers. A polonaise for a bit of light relief,then the shimmering impressionism of 'The Enchanted Lake',followed by a little more light relief in the form of a Mazurka. After that you get more spooky antics with the wonderful tone poem Kikimora,and to round of the cd The Eight Russian Folk songs & one or two other lighter pieces. To my way of thinking,the Brilliant cd includes allot of 'padding'.
I'd still recommend the old Melodiya recordings I described in my previous post for that wonderful soviet brass & the sheer atmosphere the performances generate. But some people are allergic to anything from the old 'commie bloc' and since it's unavailable there really isn't much point me recommending it,is there?!!!!

Yes, the Chandos Lyadov is a brilliantly programmed recording, but it is the performances and audio quality that make it vastly superior to all other recordings of these works.

[cilgwyn]

Nice to see Jurrajjak (?) aka Andrew appears to agree with me on this point! The Chandos recordings of Kabalevsky are a case in point. Spectacular sound and I certainly wouldn't fault the performances,but they just don't have much atmosphere. I can also think of many performances from the 20's and 30's which beat allot of modern performances hands down,despite the 'primitive' recording techniques and some rough and ready ensemble. Performances by Mengelberg,Coates and Oskar Fried spring to mind.
And one of the things I usually like about living on this planet. Everyone has a different opinion!

[vandermolen]

Which is better performed this disc or the Sinaisky, Jeffery?

Will need to get back to you on this.

[Mirror Image]

Will need to get back to you on this.

No problem, Jeffery. Thanks.

[vandermolen]

Which is better performed this disc or the Sinaisky, Jeffery?

Sorry for delay.  The Sinaisky is more polished but I prefer the Shpiller CD on Brilliant.  The Krasnoyarsk Symphony Orchestra have a rougher, more authentically Russian quality to them, compared with the BBC Philharmonic. In 'Fragment from the Apocalypse', Shpiller takes two minutes longer than Sinaisky (in an 8-10 minute work!), which makes for a much more 'epic' treatment, ideally suited to this work (my favourite of Liadov's together with the 'Religious Chant' which opens '8 Russian Folk Songs for Orchestra'). Liadov wrote very little but what there is has a uniquely magical quality which I find very endearing.

Also, the Brilliant CD is a 'Complete Orchestral Works' which the Chandos is not.  Having said that, anyone with the Chandos CD need not rush out to buy the Brilliant CD as the most important works are duplicated and Sinaisky's performances are very fine too.

Hope this helps!

Jeffrey (Mirror Image - I would address you by your name but I don't know what it is - also, a matter of no importance but you tend to spell my name with the 'r' and the 'e' the wrong way round  )

Now, where is that Hickox VW Job CD? 

[Mirror Image]

Sorry for delay.  The Sinaisky is more polished but I prefer the Shpiller CD on Brilliant.  The Krasnoyarsk Symphony Orchestra have a rougher, more authentically Russian quality to them, compared with the BBC Philharmonic. In 'Fragment from the Apocalypse', Shpiller takes two minutes longer than Sinaisky (in an 8-10 minute work!), which makes for a much more 'epic' treatment, ideally suited to this work (my favourite of Liadov's together with the 'Religious Chant' which opens '8 Russian Folk Songs for Orchestra'). Liadov wrote very little but what there is has a uniquely magical quality which I find very endearing.

Also, the Brilliant CD is a 'Complete Orchestral Works' which the Chandos is not.  Having said that, anyone with the Chandos CD need not rush out to buy the Brilliant CD as the most important works are duplicated and Sinaisky's performances are very fine too.

Hope this helps!

Jeffrey (Mirror Image - I would address you by your name but I don't know what it is - also, a matter of no importance but you tend to spell my name with the 'r' and the 'e' the wrong way round  )

Now, where is that Hickox VW Job CD? 

Thank you, Jeffrey. I'll probably pickup the Brilliant Classics disc at some point as I like that "authentic Russian" sound. By the way, my name is John.