V.S. Kalinnikov (1866-1901)
Symphony No. 1
1st Movement (excerpt)
http://www.mediafire.com/?j5eu5jkylle
(excerpt from article in 'Grove' Dictionary of Music and Musicians')
Russian composer. V.S. Kalinnikov was a son of a police official, belonged to an ecclesiastical family, and was therefore eligible to attend the seminary when the family moved to Oryol in 1879. His father, who played the guitar and sang in a local choir, encouraged his musical interests. He had taken violin lessons at Voina, and became director of the seminary choir at the age of 14. In 1884 he went to Moscow to enrol in the elementary classes at the conservatory, but he was unable to pay the fees and had to withdraw after only a few months. He then won a scholarship as a bassoon player at the Moscow Philharmonic Society Music School, where he studied with Il'yinsky and Blaramberg until 1892. During these years he lived in almost complete poverty, playing the violin, the bassoon and occasionally the timpani in theatre orchestras and finding employment as a copyist to eke out a meagre existence. He was much helped at this time, and later, by his sympathetic teacher and devoted friend S.N. Kruglikov. Tchaikovsky thought highly of Kalinnikov and recommended him for the conductorship at the Malïy Theatre in 1892; in the following year he was appointed assistant conductor at the Italian Theatre. He also gave private lessons in music theory. In autumn 1893 his health, never robust and perhaps undermined by his privations as a student broke down completely; he spent the rest of his life in the Crimea, depending mainly on friends for financial support. In spite of his illness he composed regularly, and at the time of his death he had a small but enthusiastic following.
Kalinnikov made his name with a very remarkable First Symphony. He sent the score to Kruglikov, the dedicatee, who was sufficiently impressed to submit it to leading Russian conductors. Rimsky-Korsakov, while admitting to finding in it evidence of real talent, maintained that it contained too many technical mistakes to make a performance worthwhile (its since been suggested these 'mistakes' were in fact copyist's slips). However, Vinogradsky undertook to conduct the work at a Russian Musical Society concert in Kiev. It was a great success, and the second and third movements received an encore. Performances in Moscow, Vienna, Berlin and Paris followed, and it still remains in the Russian repertory of most orchestras.
//
I was introduced to his music fairly recently. While perusing the favorite symphonies thread, I came across the Kalinnikov 1st symphony, which was "fast-tracked" by a fan, but my initial reaction on reading the list was KalinniWHO? I automatically assumed it was some 20th century composer and the piece was a 12 tone musical contraption or a post modern piece, which tends to evoke fairly negative reactions from me (sorry, I don't "get" most 20th century composers other than the 19th century holdovers like Rachmaninoff and Elgar). Fortunately, I did google Kalinnikov, and to my delight discovered a 19th century romantic Russian composer, recommended by none other than Tchaikovsky (very high praise indeed in my book).
I have since acquired all three recordings I could find easily on Amazon and have listened repeatedly to both symphonies over the last month. The first symphony is reminiscent of early Tchaikovsky but with even more melody (and hints of orientalism) thrown in. The second symphony is marginally less melodius but is still a great work. I prefer Kuchar's recording with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine on Naxos to Järvi's account on Chandos (also coupled with the second symphony) and to Friedmann's recording with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra on Arte Nova (First Symphony only coupled with some Glinka overtures). Kuchar imbues the music with warmth and humor and the orchestra sound like they are enjoying themselves. The recording quality is also quite good.
I really wish this composer would get more recognition. His two symphonies certainly deserve to be played and recorded more.
Sincerely,
Hany.
Well said, Haziz. I too enjoy the first symphony in particular. Fwiw, I started writing out a basic guitar transcription of the 2nd movement so one can play along: http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,18913.0.html I need to get back to it and finish it up at some point.
I like Kalinnikov's two symphonies. I'm afraid I don't know anything else by him. I have a Svetlanov recording that I haven't even heard yet. I also own Jarvi's recording of the two symphonies. This is, unfortunately, all I own by the composer. I remember the music being quite nice and full of big tunes.
There aren't many recordings to choose from. A few of the symphonies, of variable quality. I'm happy if you find Kuchar satisfactory, though I think Friedmann gets more feeling from the 1st than anyone, especially in the finale. Svetlanov is my first choice in the 2nd.
Jarvi did some of the tone poems, but I suspect they are the usual dashed-off interpretations. There is also a Marco Polo CD conducted by Jancsovics, which is sadly a half-hearted effort. Svetlanov is probably the guy to turn to, but a bit rich for my blood at the moment. We need more and better recordings!
Quote from: eyeresist on August 22, 2011, 04:39:08 PMWe need more and better recordings!
Wake me up when this happens.
Somewhere on GMG a few months ago, somebody bad-mouthed Kalinnikov. :o
For shame! $:)
He might have challenged The Rach for primacy, if he had lived longer.
Like Hans Rott and Julius Reubke, he tantalizes us with an incredible early talent, showing us only what might have been.
I think the best recording of the Symphony No. 1 is the Kondrashin. Very good recording and transfer by Melodiya.
http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//MELCD1000957.htm
There's a new recording of the symphonies coming next month on BIS. Kees Bakels and Malaysian Philharmonic.
^ Bad news IMO. Fast and expressionless is not how Kalinnikov should go. Will only damage his reputation.
Quote from: eyeresist on August 31, 2011, 06:36:28 PM
^ Bad news IMO. Fast and expressionless is not how Kalinnikov should go. Will only damage his reputation.
Fairly decent performance and overall a good recording from a technical point of view actually. Just relistening to it on Spotify, as I type this, though I did buy the physical CD, I just have to find it. :-[
Just listened to the recording referenced above.
[asin]B005KQVDHI[/asin]
A very positive listening experience. In the first symphony I was extremely impressed, except for the second (slow) movement. Evoked early Tchaikovsky, or perhaps Dvorak, in its general style. The first movement contrasts exposition and recapitulation which mostly feature graceful melodies with a central development section which is more rigorous and which contains some skillfully constructed counterpoint. The most remarkable thing about it is the finale, which has an very extended build-up to an overwhelming conclusion. Really outstanding stuff.
The second symphony I found much less engaging, except for a miraculous second (slow) movement with haunting melodies from winds (english horn, I think) and some remarkable contributions from the strings.
The orchestra is beautifully recorded and exhibits remarkable precision and control of timbre and balances.
I need to listen to more of this Russian stuff.
I did quite enjoy Rimsky Korsakov's third yesterday. The first time ever,mind. The Scherzo was the standout.
On the other hand,this is a less well known Russian Symphony I really did enjoy. Rousing and colourfully orchestrated with a really exciting finale. And it's not supposed to be as good as his First! (Which I listened to yesterday). Well,for a not supposed to be as good symphony,I think it's pretty great! Excitingly performed too,with top notch Chandos sound. Excellent! How tragic his untimely death,and what a sad loss to music! :(
(http://i.imgur.com/WuLQHPk.jpg)
Quote from: vandermolen on June 29, 2017, 10:21:07 PM
+1 it would have been fascinating to hear how Kalinnikov's music would have developed had he lived on. I like both symphonies, especially No.1.
The First Symphony is obviously the best of the two. I was just surprised at how good the Second is,for a symphony that's 'not as good'! Even if Kalinnikov's First didn't exist (or heaven forbid there's little enough) been destroyed,or gone missing,as so many old musical manuscripts do;I would still regard it as one of the finest 19th century Russian symphonies I have heard. Of course the First Symphony has that lovely slow movement;but the Second is a colourful and spirited score. Some of it is very fiery and exciting in the best Russian tradition. I would like to hear Svetlanov conducting these,as well. I bet you've got those recordings in your collection?!! Jarvi sounds very good here,though!
Quote from: cilgwyn on June 30, 2017, 04:01:48 AM
The First Symphony is obviously the best of the two. I was just surprised at how good the Second is,for a symphony that's 'not as good'! Even if Kalinnikov's First didn't exist (or heaven forbid there's little enough) been destroyed,or gone missing,as so many old musical manuscripts do;I would still regard it as one of the finest 19th century Russian symphonies I have heard. Of course the First Symphony has that lovely slow movement;but the Second is a colourful and spirited score. Some of it is very fiery and exciting in the best Russian tradition. I would like to hear Svetlanov conducting these,as well. I bet you've got those recordings in your collection?!! Jarvi sounds very good here,though!
Just purchased the above for under £1.00. (Picture didn't appear - it's the Jarvi version on Chandos with Glazunov)
Yes, I do have other recording of both symphonies. I'll report back after I've heard it.
Under £1?!! :o ;D I'm sure Svetlanov,being the master he was,would have recorded the finer reading. I have seen at least one review that criticised Jarvi's approach. However,it still comes over as a fine symphony! Kees Bakel has recorded them,I note;who gave us recordings of Vaughan Williams symphonies. Which recordings have you got?
Regarding the 1st Symphony,
Svetlanov/USSR SO is indeed lively, excellent and has good sound;
I´ve also got Scherchen/CzechPO on Tahra, and Friedman/RussianPO, on Arte Nova.
For the 2nd, I´ve got Svetlanov again, and Neeme Järvi.
Quote from: cilgwyn on July 01, 2017, 09:37:21 AM
Under £1?!! :o ;D I'm sure Svetlanov,being the master he was,would have recorded the finer reading. I have seen at least one review that criticised Jarvi's approach. However,it still comes over as a fine symphony! Kees Bakel has recorded them,I note;who gave us recordings of Vaughan Williams symphonies. Which recordings have you got?
Because of redecoration in the house ( ::)) my CD collection is in a more chaotic state than it is normally. From memory the Naxos version (Kuchar) and the Olympia (Dudarova).
Quote from: Turner on July 01, 2017, 09:49:25 AM
Regarding the 1st Symphony,
Svetlanov/USSR SO is indeed lively, excellent and has good sound;
I´ve also got Scherchen/CzechPO on Tahra, and Friedman/RussianPO, on Arte Nova.
For the 2nd, I´ve got Svetlanov again, and Neeme Järvi.
Apologies. Thanks for the response. Svetlanov is always good. Scherchen sounds interesting. I'm not familiar with Friedman.
Quote from: cilgwyn on July 01, 2017, 02:34:20 PM
Apologies. Thanks for the response. Svetlanov is always good. Scherchen sounds interesting. I'm not familiar with Friedman.
Friedmann's performance is notable (among the four I own) for having the slowest first and last movements. Uniquely his opening is tinged with melancholy, almost tragedy, and then the second subject is broadened even more to gorgeous effect. Timings:
Friedmann 15:32 7:22 8:21 11:51
Järvi 14:04 7:08 7:34 8:29
Svetlanov 14:03 7:27 7:34 7:56
Bakels 13:39 7:26 7:33 8:40
But you'll hate the Friedmann cover ;D
Sarge
QuoteFriedmann 15:32 7:22 8:21 11:51
Järvi 14:04 7:08 7:34 8:29
Svetlanov 14:03 7:27 7:34 7:56
Bakels 13:39 7:26 7:33 8:40
Scherchen, Czech PO: 12:52 6:35 7:42 8:37
Gave it a listen. The sound is rather thin and distant, 1951 vintage. There are some of the usual Scherchen characteristics - slightly chaotic orchestral playing, sudden changes of tempi, some occasional accelerations etc., but it´s not extreme, and given the irregularities and the sound it must be considered a possible, supplementary recording, not a first choice. But besides the Russian folksyness, the conducting style, some dense episodes & the "jumping" traits gave me clear associations to Czech music, including late Dvorak, that I hadn´t had before. Svetlanov remains my favourite here.
Anyone ever hear the Ashkenazy on Exton (with the Iceland Philharmonic)?
It was a pleasure to hear the First Symphony conducted by Neeme Jarvi and the SNO today with its enjoyable Glazunov companions.
The two symphonies are so lovely, I always enjoy them when I can. It's difficult to choose my favorite one, both of them have that Russian allure I can't resist!! Besides the symphonies, another work I like so much by Kalinnikov is 'Tsar Boris'. I'm not sure if it's an incidental music, but what I can say it's strong, it contains enough energy to be seduced. This is one of his most sweeping pieces. 'The Cedar and the Palm' and the two Intermezzi are nice, too (as I can remember). Overall, he was a good composer, sadly dead being very young.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on July 10, 2017, 02:44:02 PM
The two symphonies are so lovely, I always enjoy them when I can. It's difficult to choose my favorite one, both of them have that Russian allure I can't resist!! Besides the symphonies, another work I like so much by Kalinnikov is 'Tsar Boris'. I'm not sure if it's an incidental music, but what I can say it's strong, it contains enough energy to be seduced. This is one of his most sweeping pieces. 'The Cedar and the Palm' and the two Intermezzi are nice, too (as I can remember). Overall, he was a good composer, sadly dead being very young.
Right, I must look out for Symphony 2 next.
Anybody know this one?
(https://cdn.naxosmusiclibrary.com/sharedfiles/images/cds/hires/OVCL-00129.jpg)
Worth mentioning that there is a Mravinsky Kalinnikov 2nd. I haven´t heard it yet, but it´s on you-tube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qslHwFCu2sc
I love both of Kalinnikov's symphonies. The "big tune" (secondary theme of the first movement) of the First has been haunting my memory ever since I first heard it. The Second may lack a deeply memorable "big tune", but it is still a beautiful and energetic work. The first movement isn't terribly inspired, but the rest of the piece is very much on the same exalted level as the First. I've only heard the Kuchar recordings with the National Orchestra of Ukraine on Naxos, which are perfectly satisfactory.
(https://img.cdandlp.com/2015/05/imgL/117512784.jpg)
Knowing the good reputation due to his 2 extremely attractive symphonies, I don't get the idea why Tsar Boris is little known, it's rather unbelievable. The most ablaze pages of this composer. His gift for melody and drama are unabashed here as much as possible. If you're looking for Russian blockbusters (I remember this word by cilgwyn), don't hesitate about this ultra epic piece. Practiaclly as good as his symphonies.
Quote from: kyjo on September 11, 2017, 03:57:25 PM
I love both of Kalinnikov's symphonies. The "big tune" (secondary theme of the first movement) of the First has been haunting my memory ever since I first heard it. The Second may lack a deeply memorable "big tune", but it is still a beautiful and energetic work. The first movement isn't terribly inspired, but the rest of the piece is very much on the same exalted level as the First. I've only heard the Kuchar recordings with the National Orchestra of Ukraine on Naxos, which are perfectly satisfactory.
Kyjo - Just saw your comment above about the 2nd subject of the 1st symphony - my experience was identical. One of those tunes the looped in my head from that moment on.....
BUT please please hear any other version after Kuchar! Its "ok" but Svetlanov is a different league and in fact the old Jarvi/SNO/Chandos recording also still sounds very fine. If its good with Kuchar think how much better it is with these others....!
Quote from: Roasted Swan on August 30, 2019, 11:29:26 PM
Kyjo - Just saw your comment above about the 2nd subject of the 1st symphony - my experience was identical. One of those tunes the looped in my head from that moment on.....
BUT please please hear any other version after Kuchar! Its "ok" but Svetlanov is a different league and in fact the old Jarvi/SNO/Chandos recording also still sounds very fine. If its good with Kuchar think how much better it is with these others....!
Don't worry, I've gone on to explore other recordings! ;) I've been especially taken by the Malaysian(!) Philharmonic recordings under Kees Bakels on BIS.
And btw, I revise my earlier comment about not finding the first movement of the 2nd Symphony particularly inspired. I now find the whole work completely entrancing from start to finish and prefer it overall to the already great 1st Symphony.
What do Kalinnikovians recommend for a recording of the two symphonies?
Please keeping in mind that I tend to prefer tempos on the brisk side, rather than the slow side (the opposite of Sergeant Rock) :D
I'm leaning towards Kuchar/Naxos, but potentially Jarvi/Chandos.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 11, 2021, 08:35:50 AM
What do Kalinnikovians recommend for a recording of the two symphonies?
Please keeping in mind that I tend to prefer tempos on the brisk side, rather than the slow side (the opposite of Sergeant Rock) :D
I'm leaning towards Kuchar/Naxos, but potentially Jarvi/Chandos.
Svetlanov - authentic & swift.
Svetlanov in the 1st would be the main one for me too. Svetlanov isn't necessarily the best in the Russian repertoire, of course, (cf. Borodin's 2nd for example), but his Kalinnikov's 1st is very good indeed
Thanks, folks. I also hear Bakels for a modern recording is a pretty good one?
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 11, 2021, 12:27:56 PM
Thanks, folks. I also hear Bakels for a modern recording is a pretty good one?
Bakels is good but Jarvi with the (old) SNO still sounds very good as well. From the great phase of him recording for chandos. FAR better than Kuchar.
I've sampled both the Svetlanov and Jarvi 1st today on YouTube, both marvelous. And I had heard the Kuchar 1st a few times already, which is what sparked my interest initially.
You would think that beautiful catchy melody of the second movement of the 1st symphony would have made this work as popular as Vivaldi's Four Seasons...... It's that tuneful!! :)
Whenever I see this thread alive, the incidental music for Tsar Boris comes to my mind. I sometimes prefer it over the symphonies. Kalinnikov at his most dramatic.
Quote from: Daverz on August 23, 2011, 06:32:09 PM
I think the best recording of the Symphony No. 1 is the Kondrashin. Very good recording and transfer by Melodiya.
http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product//MELCD1000957.htm
MDT is long gone, of course, and this disc is going for over $900 on Amazon.
(https://im1.book.com.tw/image/getImage?i=https://www.books.com.tw/img/002/011/97/0020119756.jpg)
EDIT: on Apple Music
https://music.apple.com/album/1536184302
There's also a dodgy looking issue on Qobuz and other streaming services:
https://open.qobuz.com/album/af41c138u2zwc
EDIT: This streaming transfer is probably from LP. Rather bass shy, bright and closed-in sounding. You'd be better off with the MP3s of the Kondrashin/Melodiya, which are still available:
https://www.amazon.com/Balakirev-Symphony-Major-Kalinnikov-Minor/dp/B08L9TLWV4
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 11, 2021, 02:59:18 PM
I've sampled both the Svetlanov and Jarvi 1st today on YouTube, both marvelous. And I had heard the Kuchar 1st a few times already, which is what sparked my interest initially.
You would think that beautiful catchy melody of the second movement of the 1st symphony would have made this work as popular as Vivaldi's Four Seasons...... It's that tuneful!! :)
Yes you are absolutely right! I can clearly remember the first time I ever heard that tune.... I've mentioned the shop before - Farringdon Records on Cheapside in London. Downstairs was an Aladdin's cave of a Classical department presided over by Tony whose CM knowledge was encyclopedic. They always had interesting/tantalising music playing and one time it was Kalinnikov 1 in the Kondrashin version
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4512/37430439462_6b5fcf7a2b_b.jpg)
I reckon they sold out all their stock of that disc that day! That would have been around 1980 I reckon......
Quote from: Roasted Swan on March 11, 2021, 11:18:31 PM
Yes you are absolutely right! I can clearly remember the first time I ever heard that tune.... I've mentioned the shop before - Farringdon Records on Cheapside in London. Downstairs was an Aladdin's cave of a Classical department presided over by Tony whose CM knowledge was encyclopedic. They always had interesting/tantalising music playing and one time it was Kalinnikov 1 in the Kondrashin version
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4512/37430439462_6b5fcf7a2b_b.jpg)
I reckon they sold out all their stock of that disc that day! That would have been around 1980 I reckon......
That is quite a vivid memory, Swan. :) The piece obviously made an impact.
My first hearing was on our local radio station this past fall, while I was parked in the car waiting for a pickup food order. :D
Quote from: Roasted Swan on March 11, 2021, 11:18:31 PM
Yes you are absolutely right! I can clearly remember the first time I ever heard that tune.... I've mentioned the shop before - Farringdon Records on Cheapside in London. Downstairs was an Aladdin's cave of a Classical department presided over by Tony whose CM knowledge was encyclopedic. They always had interesting/tantalising music playing and one time it was Kalinnikov 1 in the Kondrashin version
(https://live.staticflickr.com/4512/37430439462_6b5fcf7a2b_b.jpg)
I reckon they sold out all their stock of that disc that day! That would have been around 1980 I reckon......
Farringdon Records in Cheapside (and the famous Tony) was a treasure trove of discoveries in my 20s and earlier.
I've performed this work in concert. It's very fun and satisfying and audiences loved it. The slow movement is very beautiful and a very satisfying finale resulted in a standing ovation. I might have a recording of our concert somewhere.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 11, 2021, 12:27:56 PM
Thanks, folks. I also hear Bakels for a modern recording is a pretty good one?
Yes, it's excellent all-around!
Well, in the end I decided to go with Jarvi for the two symphonies. Looking forward to receiving it! :)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on March 25, 2021, 05:18:25 AM
Well, in the end I decided to go with Jarvi for the two symphonies. Looking forward to receiving it! :)
Never did get it as it was out of order. Got the Bakels then.
Comparing Kuchar with Bakels, I much prefer Kuchar!
My focal point had always been the 1st Symphony, but the 2nd symphony has grown on me immensely! I enjoy it equally to the 1st now. 🙂
Morning listening. The Adagio of the 1st Symphony is to me one of the great symphonic adagios!
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk0Njc3NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzQ4MTg3MDF9)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 14, 2023, 04:28:24 AMMorning listening. The Adagio of the 1st Symphony is to me one of the great symphonic adagios!
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk0Njc3NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzQ4MTg3MDF9)
I have that too but somehow have never listened to it.
Quote from: vers la flamme on April 14, 2023, 05:19:25 AMI have that too but somehow have never listened to it.
It may be time to change that, my friend. ;)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 14, 2023, 04:28:24 AMMorning listening. The Adagio of the 1st Symphony is to me one of the great symphonic adagios!
(https://d1iiivw74516uk.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJwcmVzdG8tY292ZXItaW1hZ2VzIiwia2V5IjoiNzk0Njc3NC4xLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTAwfSwianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo2NX0sInRvRm9ybWF0IjoianBlZyJ9LCJ0aW1lc3RhbXAiOjE2MzQ4MTg3MDF9)
Agree completely. Kalinnikov is outstanding.
Wow, only 35 years? Tragically unfortunate.
Quote from: Maestro267 on April 14, 2023, 07:09:53 AMWow, only 35 years? Tragically unfortunate.
34 to be accurate, died shortly before his 35th.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 14, 2023, 07:10:37 AM34 to be accurate, died shortly before his 35th.
And in abject poverty. A sad story.
Oof, that's my age now.
Coincidentally, a second-hand copy of the Kuchar Naxos disc dropped through the letter box today. The second movement of No.1 is just magical with that haunting ostinato. The orchestra of Ukraine is truly splendid and the disc has now joined my collection of favourites. I can't remember what I was doing when I was 34, probably nothing of any significance whatsoever...
Quote from: vers la flamme on April 14, 2023, 05:19:25 AMI have that too but somehow have never listened to it.
What What What!!! This is such a trememndous disc/glorious works. Your mission this weekend (should you accept it) Listen to this disc and report back!