Eduard Tubin (1905-82)

[Karl Henning]

By seeming chance, the first I heard is your favorite, the Fifth; and I like it very well.

[vandermolen]

Am I alone in liking No.1?

My favourites in order: 2,3,4,(1 + 5)10,6,7,8,9.

[Sergeant Rock]

Am I alone in liking No.1?

I think John (MI) likes it too.

Sarge

[Mirror Image]

I think John (MI) likes it too.

Sarge

I like the first movement, but that's about it. The rest of the symphony just kind of falls apart for me with the two proceeding movements.

[Sergeant Rock]

I like the first movement, but that's about it. The rest of the symphony just kind of falls apart for me with the two proceeding movements.

I was thinking this when I made my comment:

I think Tubin's 1st and 7th stand out the most to me. That first movement of the 1st is a miniature masterpiece.

Not that your new post contradicts it; merely clarifies it.

Sarge

[J]

The first movement of the 1rst stands out for being really good, - and the second and third movements stand out for being really bad. 

Got it.

[Mirror Image]

I was thinking this when I made my comment:

Not that your new post contradicts it; merely clarifies it.

Sarge

Thanks for the clarification, Sarge.

[Mirror Image]

First post in almost a year! I shouldn't be surprised really. Anyway, I've been going through Tubin's symphonies again and finding a lot of enjoyment in them. I've been contemplating getting Volmer's series on Alba, but I continue to read conflicting reports that he's not as inspired as Jarvi regardless of how much detail Volmer brings to the music. It would be nice to hear another interpretation of these works however. Anyone have some good experiences with Volmer's cycle on Alba?

[Sergeant Rock]

Anyone have some good experiences with Volmer's cycle on Alba?

I have Vomer's 4, 7, 9, 10 and 11. The only one I've directly compared to Järvi is the Fourth, and it blows Järvi away: much better recording with lots of detail, a better orchestra.

Sarge

[vandermolen]

First post in almost a year! I shouldn't be surprised really. Anyway, I've been going through Tubin's symphonies again and finding a lot of enjoyment in them. I've been contemplating getting Volmer's series on Alba, but I continue to read conflicting reports that he's not as inspired as Jarvi regardless of how much detail Volmer brings to the music. It would be nice to hear another interpretation of these works however. Anyone have some good experiences with Volmer's cycle on Alba?

I have both complete cycles ( ). I wouldn't want to be without the Jarvi set but the more recent Volmer cycle complements it. If I had to choose I would stick with the Jarvi and I prefer his interpretation of Symphony 4, especially the beautiful opening - recorded I think at a live concert possibly in Tubin's presence. Symphonies 1-5 and 10 are my favourites

[Mirror Image]

I have both complete cycles ( ). I wouldn't want to be without the Jarvi set but the more recent Volmer cycle complements it. If I had to choose I would stick with the Jarvi and I prefer his interpretation of Symphony 4, especially the beautiful opening - recorded I think at a live concert possibly in Tubin's presence. Symphonies 1-5 and 10 are my favourites

I have Vomer's 4, 7, 9, 10 and 11. The only one I've directly compared to Järvi is the Fourth, and it blows Järvi away: much better recording with lots of detail, a better orchestra.

Sarge

Thanks guys. I just ordered Volmer's complete Tubin cycle and I'm going to do my best to try and enjoy these performances on their own merits and not give in to those people who say that Volmer lacks this or that whereas Jarvi reigns supreme. It is highly possible that many people are still attached to Jarvi's Tubin for the fact that it was their first exposure to the composer. Don't get me wrong, Jarvi is amazing in this music, but sometimes I feel he pushes the music a bit too hard in some sections where a bit more lyricism would be preferred.

[Madiel]

The only one I've directly compared to Järvi is the Fourth, and it blows Järvi away: much better recording with lots of detail, a better orchestra.

I seem to remember that's the one where Classics Today considered Järvi to be weak.

I'm sticking with him as I try all the symphonies out via streaming, but I know both sets are available on the streaming service I use (Deezer).

[Mirror Image]

I seem to remember that's the one where Classics Today considered Järvi to be weak.

I'm sticking with him as I try all the symphonies out via streaming, but I know both sets are available on the streaming service I use (Deezer).

Whenever you can form some kind of opinion, I'd love to know what you think of the Volmer Tubin series. I'll go ahead and say his recording of the ballet Kratt is top-notch. There's also an excellent performance of Sinfonietta on Estonian Motifs that's coupled with Kratt.

[Mirror Image]

I'm not sure if anyone has posted this particular blog before, but it's quite well-written and helps shed some light on Tubin's symphonies:

https://orthosphere.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/eduard-tubin-symphonist/

[Madiel]

Whenever you can form some kind of opinion, I'd love to know what you think of the Volmer Tubin series. I'll go ahead and say his recording of the ballet Kratt is top-notch. There's also an excellent performance of Sinfonietta on Estonian Motifs that's coupled with Kratt.

Right. See you in 10 years.

[vandermolen]

Thanks guys. I just ordered Volmer's complete Tubin cycle and I'm going to do my best to try and enjoy these performances on their own merits and not give in to those people who say that Volmer lacks this or that whereas Jarvi reigns supreme. It is highly possible that many people are still attached to Jarvi's Tubin for the fact that it was their first exposure to the composer. Don't get me wrong, Jarvi is amazing in this music, but sometimes I feel he pushes the music a bit too hard in some sections where a bit more lyricism would be preferred.

The Volmer set is fine - I especially liked his version of the epic Symphony 2 'Legendary'.

[Mirror Image]

Right. See you in 10 years.

Oh man, I hope it's not that long of a wait.

[Mirror Image]

The Volmer set is fine - I especially liked his version of the epic Symphony 2 'Legendary'.

Very nice, Jeffrey. Do you own his recording the complete Kratt as well?

[Madiel]

Oh man, I hope it's not that long of a wait.

Well, maybe not. I was thinking of the chances of me actually listening to two complete Tubin cycles, and trying to be optimistic so as not to scare you.

You may just have to wait until the "am I putting Tubin symphonies on the shopping list" question gets answered "yes" and THEN gets transformed into "which Tubin symphonies set am I buying?", and then I get around to trying a comparison on iTunes of samples of each.

So maybe only a couple of years.

[Mirror Image]

Well, maybe not. I was thinking of the chances of me actually listening to two complete Tubin cycles, and trying to be optimistic so as not to scare you.

You may just have to wait until the "am I putting Tubin symphonies on the shopping list" question gets answered "yes" and THEN gets transformed into "which Tubin symphonies set am I buying?", and then I get around to trying a comparison on iTunes of samples of each.

So maybe only a couple of years.

Well, if I'm alive then, I look forward to your response. Jarvi seems to be the go-to set for Tubin's symphonies, but I hear a lot of good things about Volmer's cycle. Personally, I can't wait to dig into the Volmer since I don't know it at all with the exception of his recording of Kratt, which was fantastic.