Eduard Tubin (1905-82)

[krummholz]

And Mahler too (long ago)... and Tchaikovsky.

[Symphonic Addict]

Has someone ever watched/listened to this DVD?



This is the link of the webpage where it appears:

https://www.tubinsociety.com/?product=eduard-tubin-sumfoonia-nr-2-legendaarne-sumfoonia-nr-5-eduard-tubin-symphony-no-2-legendary-symphony-no-5-dvd&lang=en

Having listened to his 2nd I was astounded once again I got fascinated by such thrilling work. Drama, anger, epicness atmosphere aplenty. That DVD looks enticing btw.

[vandermolen]

Has someone ever watched/listened to this DVD?



This is the link of the webpage where it appears:

https://www.tubinsociety.com/?product=eduard-tubin-sumfoonia-nr-2-legendaarne-sumfoonia-nr-5-eduard-tubin-symphony-no-2-legendary-symphony-no-5-dvd&lang=en

Having listened to his 2nd I was astounded once again I got fascinated by such thrilling work. Drama, anger, epicness atmosphere aplenty. That DVD looks enticing btw.

How interesting Cesar! Two of his greatest symphonies.

[vers la flamme]

Anyone listening to Eduard Tubin lately? He's a pretty interesting composer, I think. A fairly unique voice as a symphonist. Probably should be better known, maybe never will be.

I have the 3rd and 8th symphonies on BIS with Järvi the elder.



I like the 3rd a whole lot better than the 8th though I should return to and reevaluate the 8th soon.

What entry in Järvi's set would be the one to get next? Are there competing Tubin symphony recordings to have emerged in the years and decades since this pioneering cycle?

[Christo]

Anyone listening to Eduard Tubin lately? He's a pretty interesting composer, I think. A fairly unique voice as a symphonist. Probably should be better known, maybe never will be.

I have the 3rd and 8th symphonies on BIS with Järvi the elder.



I like the 3rd a whole lot better than the 8th though I should return to and reevaluate the 8th soon.

What entry in Järvi's set would be the one to get next? Are there competing Tubin symphony recordings to have emerged in the years and decades since this pioneering cycle?

There are indeed two complete cycles available: the one by Järvi père and one by Arvo Volmer on the label Alba - both very good, but IMHO Järvi having the edge, though one might differ in opinion per symphony. Of course there are other fine recordings of individual symphonies too.

What to do after Nos. 3 and 8? I would recommend Järvi's coupling of Nos. 2 and 6 - very different, superb performances, a good Tubin test. After surviving that ordeal, you will be unstoppable. Though I don't play him that often, Tubin as a composer remains solidly in my Top 5. He's simply one of the finest symphonists I know of, each of his ten (No. 11 unfinished) symphonies a universe on their own as shows the real symphonist. 

[vers la flamme]

There are indeed two complete cycles available: the one by Järvi père and one by Arvo Volmer on the label Alba - both very good, but IMHO Järvi having the edge, though one might differ in opinion per symphony. Of course there are other fine recordings of individual symphonies too.

What to do after Nos. 3 and 8? I would recommend Järvi's coupling of Nos. 2 and 6 - very different, superb performances, a good Tubin test. After surviving that ordeal, you will be unstoppable. Though I don't play him that often, Tubin as a composer remains solidly in my Top 5. He's simply one of the finest symphonists I know of, each of his ten (No. 11 unfinished) symphonies a universe on their own as shows the real symphonist. 

Very good, thanks. I'll seek out that Järvi CD as soon as possible.

Edit; found a copy for two dollars plus shipping. Ordered it.

[Symphonic Addict]

I fully endorse Christo's comments on Tubin. A most stupendous symphonist. The CD with symphonies 2 and 6 is likely the best among the series. Both works have an electrical power, fierceness and drive that it's hard not to be impressed. Anyone shouldn't go wrong with the rest of them. Also, Sinfonietta on Estonian motifs, the violín concertos and the ones
for balalaika and double bass have no waste either.

[vandermolen]

I fully endorse Christo's comments on Tubin. A most stupendous symphonist. The CD with symphonies 2 and 6 is likely the best among the series. Both works have an electrical power, fierceness and drive that it's hard not to be impressed. Anyone shouldn't go wrong with the rest of them. Also, Sinfonietta on Estonian motifs, the violín concertos and the ones
for balalaika and double bass have no waste either.

Me too. My favourites are symphonies 1,2,3,4,5 and 10.

[vers la flamme]

Found this:



... at a record store that I'd never been to. So once I get that other disc w/ symphonies 2 and 6 I will have the better half of the complete Tubin cycle. I'm not sure that I will ever hold him in as high of regard as some here, but I am excited to explore his music further.

One comment on BIS CDs: I've never seen any other label that puts out CDs that are AAD. Why did they do this, ie. analogue remastering? Are there benefits to it over digital mastering?

[Christo]

Found this:



... at a record store that I'd never been to. So once I get that other disc w/ symphonies 2 and 6 I will have the better half of the complete Tubin cycle. I'm not sure that I will ever hold him in as high of regard as some here, but I am excited to explore his music further.

One comment on BIS CDs: I've never seen any other label that puts out CDs that are AAD. Why did they do this, ie. analogue remastering? Are there benefits to it over digital mastering?

The point being, this live recording in Bergen (see the booklet for details) of the Fourth 'Lirica' is where it all started. Tubin attended it, Järvi had just gone into exile from Soviet-occupied Estonia and had promised Tubin to record all of his symphonies, this concert being the start of the series. For many of us, me including, this recording is where it all started as well. I recall hearing it on the radio, not much later, and being hooked. It first appeared on LP - bought it - and was later combined with a fine recording of the Ninth and the Toccata on this cd.

Warmly recommended, especially if you're able to sense the atmosphere of the occasion (and don't mind the Norwegian audience's applause at the end of the Fourth.)

[vers la flamme]

The point being, this live recording in Bergen (see the booklet for details) of the Fourth 'Lirica' is where it all started. Tubin attended it, Järvi had just gone into exile from Soviet-occupied Estonia and had promised Tubin to record all of his symphonies, this concert being the start of the series. For many of us, me including, this recording is where it all started as well. I recall hearing it on the radio, not much later, and being hooked. It first appeared on LP - bought it - and was later combined with a fine recording of the Ninth and the Toccata on this cd.

Warmly recommended, especially if you're able to sense the atmosphere of the occasion (and don't mind the Norwegian audience's applause at the end of the Fourth.)

Thanks for that note—I didn't know that background. I'm glad I was able to find it for cheap. I'm going to spend more time with the 3rd and the 8th first but I will let everyone know what I think when I get around to No.4 and No.9

[vandermolen]

Found this:



... at a record store that I'd never been to. So once I get that other disc w/ symphonies 2 and 6 I will have the better half of the complete Tubin cycle. I'm not sure that I will ever hold him in as high of regard as some here, but I am excited to explore his music further.

One comment on BIS CDs: I've never seen any other label that puts out CDs that are AAD. Why did they do this, ie. analogue remastering? Are there benefits to it over digital mastering?

I think that's a great CD, especially Symphony No.4, the opening of which reminded a friend of mine of Vaughan Williams's 'A Pastoral Symphony'. I prefer the BIS recording to the one on Alba, good as that is. Curious cover image of Tubin about to step into a partially submerged boat!

[krummholz]

The 4th is indeed a wonderful introduction to Tubin, warm and lyrical and positive throughout. The opening doesn't specifically remind me of RVW's Pastoral, but parts of the slow movement do. And a lush progression toward the end of the movement reminds me of Sancta Civitas.

[vandermolen]

The 4th is indeed a wonderful introduction to Tubin, warm and lyrical and positive throughout. The opening doesn't specifically remind me of RVW's Pastoral, but parts of the slow movement do. And a lush progression toward the end of the movement reminds me of Sancta Civitas.

Interesting! I'll keep Sancta Civitas in mind when I next listen to it.

[Mirror Image]

The 4th is indeed a wonderful introduction to Tubin, warm and lyrical and positive throughout. The opening doesn't specifically remind me of RVW's Pastoral, but parts of the slow movement do. And a lush progression toward the end of the movement reminds me of Sancta Civitas.

An incredibly beautiful work. Some interesting points of reference there.

[Mirror Image]

I think that's a great CD, especially Symphony No.4, the opening of which reminded a friend of mine of Vaughan Williams's 'A Pastoral Symphony'. I prefer the BIS recording to the one on Alba, good as that is. Curious cover image of Tubin about to step into a partially submerged boat!

Yes, I agree --- the BIS recordings have an energy to them and a liveliness that the Volmer recordings don't quite have, although I have to give a lot of credit to Volmer for recording so much Tubin, especially the complete ballet, Kratt, which will probably be the only recording we'll see of this work.

[Mirror Image]

Me too. My favourites are symphonies 1,2,3,4,5 and 10.

I consider the first movement of Symphony No. 1 to be a masterpiece within itself. This was the first Tubin work I heard and it still stays with me to this day.

[vandermolen]

Yes, I agree --- the BIS recordings have an energy to them and a liveliness that the Volmer recordings don't quite have, although I have to give a lot of credit to Volmer for recording so much Tubin, especially the complete ballet, Kratt, which will probably be the only recording we'll see of this work.

Very much agree with this John, much as I admire Volmer's recording. I find the Jarvi set more lyrical in some respects, certainly the opening of No.4 is more atmospheric in the older recording. Great to think that Tubin was present at that live performance.

No.1 is one of my favourites although usually its described as somehow 'apart' from the others - I don't really see this myself. Just a reminder that any fan of Tubin's should hear Kaljo Raid's magnificent (IMO and that of several others here) First Symphony (on Chandos). I need to get to grips with nos. 7,8 and 9. Robert Layton regards No.8 as the greatest but I've never enjoyed it as much as nos 1 to 5. Having said that I love No.10.

[Mirror Image]

Very much agree with this John, much as I admire Volmer's recording. I find the Jarvi set more lyrical in some respects, certainly the opening of No.4 is more atmospheric in the older recording. Great to think that Tubin was present at that live performance.

No.1 is one of my favourites although usually its described as somehow 'apart' from the others - I don't really see this myself. Just a reminder that any fan of Tubin's should hear Kaljo Raid's magnificent (IMO and that of several others here) First Symphony (on Chandos). I need to get to grips with nos. 7,8 and 9. Robert Layton regards No.8 as the greatest but I've never enjoyed it as much as nos 1 to 5. Having said that I love No.10.

I like the late symphonies of Tubin very much --- the musical language has become more terse, but the composer's unique sound-world is still very much intact. I need to revisit that Raid 1st symphony (it's somewhere in one of my many classical CD boxes). During my Tubin-a-thon, I'll be revisiting the symphonies, but in the order they came on the original BIS recordings, which is what I own, I don't own the Tubin box set (my dad owns this set as he wanted some Tubin in his own collection). I definitely plan on revisiting the complete ballet of Kratt as well. I'm sure you own this recording of Kratt from Volmer on Alba?

[vandermolen]

I like the late symphonies of Tubin very much --- the musical language has become more terse, but the composer's unique sound-world is still very much intact. I need to revisit that Raid 1st symphony (it's somewhere in one of my many classical CD boxes). During my Tubin-a-thon, I'll be revisiting the symphonies, but in the order they came on the original BIS recordings, which is what I own, I don't own the Tubin box set (my dad owns this set as he wanted some Tubin in his own collection). I definitely plan on revisiting the complete ballet of Kratt as well. I'm sure you own this recording of Kratt from Volmer on Alba?

I do own the complete Kratt and have a feeling that I may have you to thank for it.