Now, here is an interesting composer if you like Russian/Soviet composers. Popov sadly drank himself to death having suffered years of neglect and condemnation at the hands of the soviet authorities (his music was condemned along with the music of his friend Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Miaskovsky, Shebalin, Kabalevsky and Khachaturian in 1948). His First Symphony (Telarc) is the only score I know which can hold up its head alongside Shostakovich's 4th Symphony (Vainberg's 5th is another possible contender). Popov's symphonies were once available on the defunct Olympia label and now are only around at more or less ridiculous prices (there was a great CD with symphonies 1 and 2 on). However, the Russian Northern Flowers label has just issued Popov's epic wartime Symphony 2 'Motherland', which whilst being more conformist than the phatasmagoric First Symphony, is both powerful and moving. If you like Shostakovich's 7th or 8th symphonies or Khachaturian's Symphony No 2 'The Bell', this might be for you. It is coupled with some high quality film music and the agitprop 'Red Cavalry Campaign: Symphonic poster for large orchestra and male chorus' from 1941.
Sounds bloody fabulous. Where did you get it?
Yes, and when are you going to upload it? ;D
Quote from: Beethovenian on January 18, 2010, 06:24:49 PM
Yes, and when are you going to upload it? ;D
Yes, well, that was what I was hinting at too, but was far too polite to suggest. :P
Quote from: John on January 18, 2010, 06:27:22 PM
Yes, well, that was what I was hinting at too, but was far too polite to suggest. :P
Are you saying I'm not polite? How rude! >:(
http://www.russiancdshop.com/ is reasonably cheap, quick and very dependable if you have a Paypal account.
Quote from: John on January 18, 2010, 05:37:46 PM
Sounds bloody fabulous. Where did you get it?
MDT Mail Order in Derby.
I didn't really expect an upload, by the way. ;D
But it sure wasn't on Amazon US: My usual online shopping stop.
Isn't he the "other" composer Shosty had a picture of on his mantle?
Also, I get get Popov's and Shebalin's String Quartet Cycles confused. Does anyone have The Goods here?
Quote from: snyprrr on January 19, 2010, 08:38:03 PM
Isn't he the "other" composer Shosty had a picture of on his mantle?
Also, I get get Popov's and Shebalin's String Quartet Cycles confused. Does anyone have The Goods here?
I think it was Shebalin. Don't know how to do uploads anyway - took me months to work out how to include a picture with my posts. Would be happy, if I knew how, to upload a movement from the Symphony.
Quote from: Beethovenian on January 19, 2010, 08:01:33 AM
I didn't really expect an upload, by the way. ;D
But it sure wasn't on Amazon US: My usual online shopping stop.
Here's a link.
http://www.mdt.co.uk/MDTSite/product/Choice_Classical_Music_CDs_and_DVDs_Future_Releases/NFPMA9977.htm
I love youtube!
Symphony No. 3:
http://www.youtube.com/v/SVbl3jEYd-Y
or Symphony No. 1:
http://www.youtube.com/v/jpH8H-ZuI0g&feature=related
The rest is there to search
A Northern Flowers sale on mdt now. I've got tons of stuff I absolutely need, mainly the Miaskovsky and Taneyev quartets (since Naxos presumedly complete Taneyev seems to have dried up with vo l1, they will loose my business).
It looks like there is a new recording of Symphony No. 1 coming out next month on Northern Flowers. They have already released 1 and 2 (separate discs, each with extras), in reportedly good performances conducted by Titov, who also conducted the latest. I guess it would be stupid to hope that this will be part of a completed cycle....
(http://img.hmv.co.jp/image/jacket/400/41/8/1/504.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-No-Gavriil-Nikolaevich-Popov/dp/B005N9EZ7M/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1316786984&sr=1-1)
(The picture links to Amazon, but the cover pic is from HMV.jp.)
I'll drink to that!
Quote from: Sef on July 05, 2010, 01:56:58 PM
I love youtube!
Symphony No. 3:
http://www.youtube.com/v/SVbl3jEYd-Y
or Symphony No. 1:
http://www.youtube.com/v/jpH8H-ZuI0g&feature=related
The rest is there to search
That Symphony One is bloody amazing...Olympia defunct? Must find another means to get it...I really, really like what I've heard above. Really.
Popov's 4th Symphony for soloists, chorus and orchestra "Honour to the Motherland" of 1947 still awaits its first commercial recording.
Quote from: eyeresist on September 23, 2011, 06:12:35 AM
(http://img.hmv.co.jp/image/jacket/400/41/8/1/504.jpg) (http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-No-Gavriil-Nikolaevich-Popov/dp/B005N9EZ7M/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1316786984&sr=1-1)
Had a chance to hear this, and it's not competitive with the Olympia issue with Provatorov conducting. The orchestra feels as if it's struggling at times, and there simply isn't have anything like the intensity that Provatorov brings to the work--it's music written in blood and sweat, on a very well-judged knife-edge just short of falling into of total chaos, and I don't think the orchestra has the confidence (or, perhaps, sufficient rehearsal time) to bring this off here.
I hope someone will pick up the Olympia discs sooner rather than later--it's an extraordinary work that deserves wider currency.
Quote from: edward on February 23, 2012, 11:38:09 AM
Had a chance to hear this, and it's not competitive with the Olympia issue with Provatorov conducting. The orchestra feels as if it's struggling at times, and there simply isn't have anything like the intensity that Provatorov brings to the work--it's music written in blood and sweat, on a very well-judged knife-edge just short of falling into of total chaos, and I don't think the orchestra has the confidence (or, perhaps, sufficient rehearsal time) to bring this off here.
I hope someone will pick up the Olympia discs sooner rather than later--it's an extraordinary work that deserves wider currency.
Thank you Edward for posting this. I'm sorry that the new version of symphony No 1 is not that good - but at least you have saved me some money! I agree that the Olympia CD with symphonies 1 and 2 on is sensational - one of their best releases I think.
I must admit the reviews of those Northern Flowers cd's have put me off,although I suppose,dodgy playing didn't put me off buying the Marco Polo recordings of the lovely Tournemire symphonies! (Luckily,persistent searching & a spot of luck means that I eventually managed to collect all the superior Auvidis Valois performances! :))
Any new opinions of the Titov? I really, realy want that Olympia disc, but is it worth $80?
Since there's still no sign of the Provatorov being reissued, and I really wouldn't want anyone discovering Popov's First in Titov's tentative near-sightreading, I've taken the liberty of ripping and uploading the Olympia disc. It'll likely take an afternoon or so to download from RapidShare, but I think it'd be worth it for anyone with the slightest interest in Russian 20th century music.
https://rapidshare.com/files/4250441272/Popov_Symphonies_1___2_-_Olympia.zip (entire disc as one flac file, with a cue file as well).
Yes, it'll take around 3 hours (download is at a snail's pace - I am used to around 1600 kb/s and this is 30 kb/s)... Still, it seems to be worth it! Thanks!
Quote from: edward on May 05, 2012, 09:43:58 PM
Since there's still no sign of the Provatorov being reissued, and I really wouldn't want anyone discovering Popov's First in Titov's tentative near-sightreading, I've taken the liberty of ripping and uploading the Olympia disc. It'll likely take an afternoon or so to download from RapidShare, but I think it'd be worth it for anyone with the slightest interest in Russian 20th century music.
https://rapidshare.com/files/4250441272/Popov_Symphonies_1___2_-_Olympia.zip (entire disc as one flac file, with a cue file as well).
Wow, thanks Edward. I have the Telarc disc and I love it. So I just wanted another perspective on this symphony.
Hi, Brett! :)
Download completed... I just started listening - 5 minutes in. Epic stuff!
Found this by Alex Ross:
http://www.therestisnoise.com/2004/09/the_popov_disco.html (http://www.therestisnoise.com/2004/09/the_popov_disco.html)
Behold, the power of Popov!
Somebody in New Jersey (pronounced Nyuu Joizey) offers the Leon Botstein/London Symphony performance for around $17.00:
http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Shostakovich-Variations-Orchestra-Multichannel/dp/B00069I8HW/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1336391775&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Shostakovich-Variations-Orchestra-Multichannel/dp/B00069I8HW/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1336391775&sr=1-2)
Botstein, of course, is (or was, at any rate) President of Bard College in the Hudson River valley.
Quote from: Catison on May 07, 2012, 02:47:58 AM
Hi Johan. Popov brought me back.
The First symphony certainly is loud enough to wake the dead.
Interesting trivia: if the work hadn't been banned, it would've had its first performance in the West under the baton of Otto Klemperer (who at the same time had also acquired the rights for the first Western performance of Shostakovich's 4th symphony). He might have had to spread the two out a bit, given the remarkable similarities between the two works.
Thanks, again, Edward, for making those Olympia recordings available to us. Popov's First is a great piece. The amazing closing minutes are similar in effect to those of Enescu's Second Symphony, where the same wild abandon is, electrifyingly, in evidence.
.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UaTQW2DhL._SY355_.jpg)
Quote from: Cato on May 07, 2012, 04:02:04 AM
Somebody in New Jersey (pronounced Nyuu Joizey) offers the Leon Botstein/London Symphony performance for around $17.00:
http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Shostakovich-Variations-Orchestra-Multichannel/dp/B00069I8HW/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1336391775&sr=1-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Symphony-Shostakovich-Variations-Orchestra-Multichannel/dp/B00069I8HW/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1336391775&sr=1-2)
You can take your chance it will come back into print at Arkiv Music.
http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/Drilldown?name_id1=9619&name_role1=1&bcorder=1&comp_id=46588
Quote from: edward on May 05, 2012, 09:43:58 PM
Since there's still no sign of the Provatorov being reissued, and I really wouldn't want anyone discovering Popov's First in Titov's tentative near-sightreading, I've taken the liberty of ripping and uploading the Olympia disc. It'll likely take an afternoon or so to download from RapidShare, but I think it'd be worth it for anyone with the slightest interest in Russian 20th century music.
https://rapidshare.com/files/4250441272/Popov_Symphonies_1___2_-_Olympia.zip (entire disc as one flac file, with a cue file as well).
I just downloaded this & turned into a cdr! I have never heard a note of Popov before,but heard a huge amount about him over the years,particularly his first symphony. Superlatives,usually & now I finally get to hear it in,what is,apparently,the best recorded performance. Funnily enough I bought the Regis reissue of Shostakovich's Fourth off Amazon,the other day,for about £1.38 inc p&p. After listening to this,Shostakovich's wild,wacky Fourth,seems quite tame! :o
Thanks edward!
Yes, Popov's First is Shostakovich's Fourth's wilder sibling. ;D
Indeed! :o Some of the most extroadinary sounds I have ever heard from a symphony orchestra & that includes mavericks like Jon Leifs,who add all sort of 'exotic' instruments (and does it loudly & very well,fair play! ;D) The Shostakovich 4 I listened to,incidentally, was Barshai & the WDR.
Popov's Second is definitely not as original as his First, but it has been much underestimated (what by Popov has not). There is an old Urania LP recording under Hermann Abendroth's baton. One part near the middle is totally saturated, yet incredibly gripping and powerfully urgent.
What a sheer musical talent Popov was.
I would love to hear his violin concerto as well.
Quote from: ttle18 on July 28, 2012, 06:21:51 AM
Popov's Second is definitely not as original as his First, but it has been much underestimated (what by Popov has not). There is an old Urania LP recording under Hermann Abendroth's baton. One part near the middle is totally saturated, yet incredibly gripping and powerfully urgent.
What a sheer musical talent Popov was.
I would love to hear his violin concerto as well.
He was such a fine composer. I have two CDs of No 2 on Olympia and Northern Flowers.
Popov's Symphony No. 2 is outstanding!
http://www.youtube.com/v/SsoMtTgrEOI
http://www.youtube.com/v/fYChBZipBWQ
http://www.youtube.com/v/WI23f_j-nQc
This symphony is definitely my glass of vodka. Sad that Soviet composers like Popov, Mossolov, Tishchenko continue to get ignored by the classical audiences. If the New York Philharmonic or Royal Concertgebouw performed Popov's Symphony No. 2, there is no doubt that he would have some new admirers of his music. It's all about exposure.
Just listened to the first clip. Brilliant music!
Quote from: J. Z. Herrenberg on October 31, 2012, 03:07:11 PM
Just listened to the first clip. Brilliant music!
Absolutely, Johan. I look forward to getting those
Wartime Music recordings I bought the other night. Are you familiar with Popov's music, Johan?
Yes. I listened to the First Symphony, which I called 'the wilder sibling of Shostakovich's Fourth' earlier in this thread... Popov is very good. From what I have read, his life was tragic.
Quote from: J. Z. Herrenberg on October 31, 2012, 03:14:27 PM
Yes. I listened to the First Symphony, which I called 'the wilder sibling of Shostakovich's Fourth' earlier in this thread... Popov is very good. From what I have read, his life was tragic.
Yeah, you're right about Popov's 1st being wilder than Shosty's 4th, but this doesn't necessarily make it a better symphony. I've never warmed to Popov's 1st. I probably need to go back and listen to it again. I have the Botstein recording. Hopefully, I can find amid my completely unorganized CD collection.
I agree that Shostakovich's Fourth is the better work. I don't remember a thing from Popov's First, whereas I already remembered several themes after I heard Shosta's Fourth only for the first time - they are more memorable. Still, Popov's First is a thrilling ride!
Quote from: J. Z. Herrenberg on October 31, 2012, 03:20:21 PM
I agree that Shostakovich's Fourth is the better work. I don't remember a thing from Popov's First, whereas I already remembered several themes after I heard Shosta's Fourth only for the first time - they are more memorable. Still, Popov's First is a thrilling ride!
It seems that Popov's 2nd is much better than his 1st. I'd love to hear all of Popov's symphonies. Tishchenko is another composer that I bought many recordings of recently that I'm eager to explore. Are you familiar with his work?
I only know his name... No doubt I'll be listening to his music when time and inclination coincide.
Is the Olympia disc still at Rapidshare? I just got an error message.
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 31, 2012, 03:34:11 PM
It seems that Popov's 2nd is much better than his 1st. I'd love to hear all of Popov's symphonies. Tishchenko is another composer that I bought many recordings of recently that I'm eager to explore. Are you familiar with his work?
You will be lucky if you ever get to hear the Popov 4th Symphony ::) It has been consigned to the "musical scrapyard" of homage to Stalin compositions :(
GAVRILL POPOV: A CATALOGUE OF THE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC
1928-34:Symphony No.1, op.7: 42 minutes + (Olympia and Telarc cds)
1933: Symphonic Suite No.1: 17 minutes + (Olympia cd)
1937: Concert-Poem for Violin and Strings, op. 17
1938: Symphonic Divertimento for orchestra, op. 23
Piano Concerto, op.24
1940: "Hispania: Seven Fragments" for orchestra, op.28
1941: Heroic Intermezzo for soloists, chorus and orchestra, op.25
1939-46:Symphony No.3 "Heroic"/ "The Spanish" for string orchestra, op.45: 55 minutes + (Northern Flowers cd)
1943: Symphony No.2 "Motherland", op.39: 35 minutes + (Olympia and Urania cds)
1944: Cantata "To the Victory" for soloists, chorus and orchestra
1945: Symphonic Aria for Cello and String Orchestra, op. 43: 15 minutes + (Northern Flowers cd)
1949: Symphony No.4 "Glory to the Motherland" for soloists, chorus and orchestra, op.47
1950: Cantata "Heroic Poem for Lenin" for soloists, chorus and orchestra, op. 58
1953: Cello Concerto, op.71
1956: Symphony No.5 "Pastoral", op.77: 44 minutes + (Olympia cd)
1969: Symphony No.6 "Festive", op.99: 36 minutes + (Olympia cd)
1970: Organ Concerto
Overture
Symphony No.7 (unfinished)
Quote from: Mirror Image on October 31, 2012, 07:24:08 AM
Popov's Symphony No. 2 is outstanding!
http://www.youtube.com/v/SsoMtTgrEOI
http://www.youtube.com/v/fYChBZipBWQ
http://www.youtube.com/v/WI23f_j-nQc
This symphony is definitely my glass of vodka. Sad that Soviet composers like Popov, Mossolov, Tishchenko continue to get ignored by the classical audiences. If the New York Philharmonic or Royal Concertgebouw performed Popov's Symphony No. 2, there is no doubt that he would have some new admirers of his music. It's all about exposure.
Just listening to this now, my first experience with Popov's music.
What an intense first movement! Very very powerful. And then what a contrast with the second movement, very enjoyable, really colourful orchestration, and with a gorgeous melodic sense. Wow... the Largo.... this really is amazing music. Thrilling climaxes, very intense and beautiful. Excellent start to the finale, such great rhythmic drive! Fantastic music, very enjoyable! Very exciting ending too!!!!
That was certainly an incredible piece! I enjoyed it very much and shall certainly look forward to listening to it again!
Quote from: Dundonnell on November 01, 2012, 05:48:45 AM
You will be lucky if you ever get to hear the Popov 4th Symphony ::) It has been consigned to the "musical scrapyard" of homage to Stalin compositions :(
GAVRILL POPOV: A CATALOGUE OF THE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC
1928-34:Symphony No.1, op.7: 42 minutes + (Olympia and Telarc cds)
1933: Symphonic Suite No.1: 17 minutes + (Olympia cd)
1937: Concert-Poem for Violin and Strings, op. 17
1938: Symphonic Divertimento for orchestra, op. 23
Piano Concerto, op.24
1940: "Hispania: Seven Fragments" for orchestra, op.28
1941: Heroic Intermezzo for soloists, chorus and orchestra, op.25
1939-46:Symphony No.3 "Heroic"/ "The Spanish" for string orchestra, op.45: 55 minutes + (Northern Flowers cd)
1943: Symphony No.2 "Motherland", op.39: 35 minutes + (Olympia and Urania cds)
1944: Cantata "To the Victory" for soloists, chorus and orchestra
1945: Symphonic Aria for Cello and String Orchestra, op. 43: 15 minutes + (Northern Flowers cd)
1949: Symphony No.4 "Glory to the Motherland" for soloists, chorus and orchestra, op.47
1950: Cantata "Heroic Poem for Lenin" for soloists, chorus and orchestra, op. 58
1953: Cello Concerto, op.71
1956: Symphony No.5 "Pastoral", op.77: 44 minutes + (Olympia cd)
1969: Symphony No.6 "Festive", op.99: 36 minutes + (Olympia cd)
1970: Organ Concerto
Overture
Symphony No.7 (unfinished)
Thanks for you this, Colin! You've done such good work with all of these composer's catalogues. Yeah, I seriously doubt I'll get to hear much of Popov since those Olympia recordings are out-of-print. As a Popov fan and collector, these are crucial recordings.
I have all of the Olympia discs but I know that you are not one for copies :(
Quote from: Dundonnell on November 01, 2012, 05:49:58 PM
I have all of the Olympia discs but I know that you are not one for copies :(
I like copies as long as I own the originals. ;) :D Thanks, Colin.
Since returning from work today, I have listened back to back via iPod to all 6 completed symphonies by Popov.
Wow.
Yet another composer to explore and enjoy. Nothing duff here, and on first listening, No. 5 is stunning.
Ah yes, Popov! It's been a while since I've listened to this chap's music. He's definitely a cut above a lot of other Soviet symphonists I've encountered. I own these CDs of his music:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61f1UY9CVcL._SY300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51FlDrZvROL._SL500_SY300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51CufKr6PKL._SY300_.jpg)
High-octane music for sure! Symphony no. 1 is a brash and fun piece, but Symphony no. 3 Heroic (for large string orchestra) is a superb work which approaches masterpiece status IMO. It's easy to forget that you're just listening to just strings here because Popov makes plentiful use of divisi that gives the scoring a marvelously rich sound. The influence of Shostakovich is easy to discern, but Popov assimilates the master's style in a different way than does, say, Weinberg. The Symphonic Aria for cello and strings with which Symphony no. 3 is coupled is a very moving piece which is filled with grief and lyricism.
I've been trying to get ahold of these Olympia discs for quite a while now:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71dzawwewKL._SL500_SX300_.jpg) (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ycf9loHBL._SY300_.jpg)
I see the one with Symphony no. 6 has a decently priced new copy ($17) available on Amazon, so I think I'll snap that up. Unfortunately, I can't find any copies of the disc with Symphony no. 5. :(
Now that I'm in a Soviet frame of mind, time to go resurrect that Shebalin thread (if one exists, that is)........
There are days on this forum when I kind of feel I am running round in circles, pointing at things and making childish 'Ooh, look at that', noises.
Today is yet another of those days.
I really like the 6th Symphony, towards the end it seems to echo Boris Gudunov. I find it to be a powerful and poignant work.
Quote from: pencils on August 20, 2013, 02:04:19 PM
There are days on this forum when I kind of feel I am running round in circles, pointing at things and making childish 'Ooh, look at that', noises.
Today is yet another of those days.
Care to elaborate on this? :)
I own all of the Norther Flowers recordings. Popov's Symphony No. 2 "Motherland" made a strong impression when I first heard it. I remember it containing a gorgeous, heartbreaking slow movement. I can't say the same for his other music I heard. Yes, Symphony No. 1 is fun alright! :) I'd like to hear a better recording of Symphony No. 2 though.
Quote from: kyjo on August 20, 2013, 03:25:50 PM
Care to elaborate on this? :)
There is so much to discover, that it is sometimes difficult not to run around like a loon pointing at stuff and being excited. At the same time, more than ever before, I am aware of how little I know. This is rarely a bad thing, as humility is a useful trait.
Quote from: pencils on August 20, 2013, 04:04:54 PM
There is so much to discover, that it is sometimes difficult not to run around like a loon pointing at stuff and being excited. At the same time, more than ever before, I am aware of how little I know. This is rarely a bad thing, as humility is a useful trait.
Thanks. :) Yes, this forum is positively bursting with activity, especially with my jabberwocky self constantly hanging around! :D
Just out of curiosity, does anybody know exactly how unfinished Popov's seventh symphony is?
This is a very fine new recording of Popov's excellent Symphony No. 1.
(https://avatars.yandex.net/get-music-content/113160/3b3f4d80.a.4778394-1/m1000x1000)
https://music.yandex.ru/album/4778394
I'm sure anyone viewing this page is already familiar with this work, but it is sort of like a 45 minute sprawling version of Scriabin's Poem of Ecstasy as interpreted by Shostakovich. In fact, it uses similar orchestral forces such as 4.4.4.4/8.4.3.1/2timp+5perc (minimum)/2 harps, celesta, strings. What's not to like? This new recording is from a live performance and played flawlessly, full of details, very good intensity *cough* not Leon Botstein *cough*, and well performed/recorded.
That makes 3 versions of the 1st symphony, then. I wish this Exton release was available on cd (appears to be mp3 only).
Meanwhile, the 4th symphony (choral) seems never to have been recorded.
Quote from: André on January 16, 2019, 04:55:40 PM
That makes 3 versions of the 1st symphony, then. I wish this Exton release was available on cd (appears to be mp3 only).
Meanwhile, the 4th symphony (choral) seems never to have been recorded.
I think this is the fourth recording. Others are:
* Leon Botstein
* Alexander Titov
* Gennady Provatorov
* This new one
Hopefully No. 4 gets a premiere recording soon and I would love the unfinished No. 7 too.
You're right. I didn't know about the Titov recording.
Quote from: relm1 on January 17, 2019, 06:08:48 AM
and I would love the unfinished No. 7 too.
Depends how finished it is, I guess. Or would you want someone to make a completion/performing version of the symphony?
Quote from: Maestro267 on January 18, 2019, 06:45:28 AM
Depends how finished it is, I guess. Or would you want someone to make a completion/performing version of the symphony?
I wouldn't mind a completion but you're right, depends to what extent/quality the score is. I've seen some incomplete works where at least one movement is fully completed but the second is barely there - just an idea or two. The first movement should be heard. But the second would really be the work of someone else taking an idea from the original composer which is probably less interesting to me unless they had some understanding of what was intended (eg: Bruckner 9th 4th movement). Of course Mahler is the great example of work that was practically complete that not entirely orchestrated and was very convincingly completed into a performance version.
I've been revisiting the recorded symphonies (I really miss a recording of the 4th!), and I'm pretty impressed (again) by them. Popov was noticeably creative and gifted of an unquestionable musical talent. At least I haven't heard any weak symphony by him. Now I'm finishing listening to the 5th Pastoral. It's just brilliant, and as its title says, it has a pastoral mood, blended with some late-romantic passages of important beauty and heroic moments. Something to notice too is the fine orchestration that conveys the colourful canvas in all its splendour. It's easily a masterpiece imho.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on March 07, 2019, 11:07:38 AM
I've been revisiting the recorded symphonies (I really miss a recording of the 4th!), and I'm pretty impressed (again) by them. Popov was noticeably creative and gifted of an unquestionable musical talent. At least I haven't heard any weak symphony by him. Now I'm finishing listening to the 5th Pastoral. It's just brilliant, and as its title says, it has a pastoral mood, blended with some late-romantic passages of important beauty and heroic moments. Something to notice too is the fine orchestration that conveys the colourful canvas in all its splendour. It's easily a masterpiece imho.
Don't know the 'Pastoral' so well but I have the strongest opinion of 1, especially the Olympia recording, 2 'Motherland' and 6. All terrific IMO.
Quote from: vandermolen on March 07, 2019, 01:26:30 PM
Don't know the 'Pastoral' so well but I have the strongest opinion of 1, especially the Olympia recording, 2 'Motherland' and 6. All terrific IMO.
The 6th is next, but tomorrow, so I'll listen to it with great pleasure and very open ears :)
Even the tumultuous and dense 3rd Symphony for strings is spellbinding. I didn't recall it so powerful and eloquent. Popov has been an important rediscovery lately.
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on March 07, 2019, 04:39:51 PM
The 6th is next, but tomorrow, so I'll listen to it with great pleasure and very open ears :)
Even the tumultuous and dense 3rd Symphony for strings is spellbinding. I didn't recall it so powerful and eloquent. Popov has been an important rediscovery lately.
The 6th quotes movingly from Boris Godunov I think. The symphony tries to be 'Festive' but IMO is rather tragic - like Nielsen's 6th Symphony. Hope you enjoy it Cesar.
So much of his music that desperately needs to be issued, but will probably not see the day while I am still on the ground:
Violin concerto**
Piano concerto**
Cello concerto**
Organ concerto
Concertino for Violin and Piano, Op. 4
Octet, Op. 9
Serenade for Brass, Op. 26
Melody for Violin and Piano, Op. 35
Symphony for String Quartet, Op. 61 (1951)
Quintet for Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Cello and Doublebass
No idea what the state of the scores/parts are for any of these.
:-X
** Updated - according to the New Grove, several of these - like the 7th symphony - were unfinished . . .
Quote from: relm1 on January 17, 2019, 06:08:48 AM
I think this is the fourth recording. Others are:
* Leon Botstein
* Alexander Titov
* Gennady Provatorov
* This new one
Hopefully No. 4 gets a premiere recording soon and I would love the unfinished No. 7 too.
Provatorov is by far the best IMO.
During the Nazi assault on Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Popov and other important artists were evacuated to Alma-Ata, Kazakh SSR. Today, the city is known as Almaty in the independent state of Kazakhstan. After a year there, he relocated to Moscow. Safe over a thousand miles away, he worked on scores to patriotic war films, Ermler's Partizanï (ona zashchishchayet rodinu) ('Partisans She is Defending the Fatherland') and the Vasil'yev brothers' Front.
(https://i.postimg.cc/j2SXZDhf/USSR.jpg)
Quote from: Scion7 on May 29, 2021, 01:40:55 PM
During the Nazi assault on Leningrad (St. Petersburg), Popov and other important artists were evacuated to Alma-Ata, Kazakh SSR. Today, the city is known as Almaty in the independent state of Kazakhstan. After a year there, he relocated to Moscow. Safe over a thousand miles away, he worked on scores to patriotic war films, Ermler's Partizanï (ona zashchishchayet rodinu) ('Partisans She is Defending the Fatherland') and the Vasil'yev brothers' Front.
(https://i.postimg.cc/j2SXZDhf/USSR.jpg)
Interesting. Thanks.
I disliked Popov's Symphony No. 2 greatly, thinking it sounded so trivial. It was a major let down from his bold and industrial No. 1. But I just listened to it now and realize I didn't get it. It's so fully indebted to the Russian tradition as was No. 1, but to a different tradition. No. 1 is the result of the post Scriabin system. I love Scriabin and immediately connected with Popov's use of Scriabin's colors and exoticism. But No. 2, is clearly indebted to Mussorgsky's Russia. I thought it was film music but it is really Khovanshchina. A very traditional and perhaps even christian view of Russian liturgy ala Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky. It is a very traditional view of Russian music in contrast to No. 1 which is more exotic and industrial view of Soviet music. A radical shift but musically speaking, very solid and dramatic, just theatrical. I must confess I hated No. 2 but now, I have come to realize, I dislike the performance that seems to misunderstand the heritage this work is indebted to. I hear so much Shostakovich in this work now if I think of it as Mussorgsky inspired and we can now hear this work not as a modernist composer but as a very nationalistic composer who used contemporary devices, with No. 1, Scriabin.
Quote from: relm1 on June 25, 2021, 04:46:13 PM
I disliked Popov's Symphony No. 2 greatly, thinking it sounded so trivial. It was a major let down from his bold and industrial No. 1. But I just listened to it now and realize I didn't get it. It's so fully indebted to the Russian tradition as was No. 1, but to a different tradition. No. 1 is the result of the post Scriabin system. I love Scriabin and immediately connected with Popov's use of Scriabin's colors and exoticism. But No. 2, is clearly indebted to Mussorgsky's Russia. I thought it was film music but it is really Khovanshchina. A very traditional and perhaps even christian view of Russian liturgy ala Rachmaninoff and Mussorgsky. It is a very traditional view of Russian music in contrast to No. 1 which is more exotic and industrial view of Soviet music. A radical shift but musically speaking, very solid and dramatic, just theatrical. I must confess I hated No. 2 but now, I have come to realize, I dislike the performance that seems to misunderstand the heritage this work is indebted to. I hear so much Shostakovich in this work now if I think of it as Mussorgsky inspired and we can now hear this work not as a modernist composer but as a very nationalistic composer who used contemporary devices, with No. 1, Scriabin.
Very interesting analysis. Oddly enough I was just reading a (negative) review of Popov's Symphony No.2 'Motherland' on Musicweb. I like the symphony very much and always have. Of course it is not nearly as original as the phantasmagoric Symphony No.1, which in my opinion is one of the only symphonies which compares with Shostakovich's 4th Symphony (the other one is Weinberg's 5th Symphony - especially in Kondrashin's recording). No.2 reminds me more of Khachaturian's Symphony No.2 'The Bell'. As with Popov's 6th Symphony, I find it very moving, especially the slow movement. AFAIK there are three recording by Provatorov, Titov and (surprisingly perhaps) Abendroth. I enjoy them all:
(//)
I like Popov's 2nd symphony a lot and, in some ways, I consider it a better symphony than his oft-mentioned 1st.
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 26, 2021, 05:55:47 AM
I like Popov's 2nd symphony a lot and, in some ways, I consider it a better symphony than his oft-mentioned 1st.
Certainly, at the moment, I play it more than Symphony No.1. Both symphonies are great IMO.
Quote from: vandermolen on June 26, 2021, 05:57:05 AM
Certainly, at the moment, I play it more than Symphony No.1. Both symphonies are great IMO.
What do you think of Popov's other symphonies? I own three Olympia recordings with various symphonies. I should revisit them.
Quote from: Mirror Image on June 26, 2021, 06:17:57 AM
What do you think of Popov's other symphonies? I own three Olympia recordings with various symphonies. I should revisit them.
The other one that I really like John is the valedictory No.6 'Festive'. Like Nielsen's 6th Symphony 'Sinfonia Semplice' it tries to be 'upbeat' and 'jolly' but tragedy keeps breaking through - that's my take on it anyway (although maybe that's more of a comment on myself! ;D). Anyway, I find it oddly moving. It is clearly IMO influenced by Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov and is all the better for it.
You can buy it for £95 on Amazon UK :o
Quote from: vandermolen on June 26, 2021, 07:21:19 AM
The other one that I really like John is the valedictory No.6 'Festive'. Like Nielsen's 6th Symphony 'Sinfonia Semplice' it tries to be 'upbeat' and 'jolly' but tragedy keeps breaking through - that's my take on it anyway (although maybe that's more of a comment on myself! ;D). Anyway, I find it oddly moving. It is clearly IMO influenced by Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov and is all the better for it.
You can buy it for £95 on Amazon UK :o
Very cool, Jeffrey. Interesting interpretation. I look forward to revisiting that symphony. Ouch...that's a steep price, indeed. I'm glad I bought those recordings several years ago. ;)
I'm very interested in hearing No. 4 since it is expansive with choir and orchestra but it seems completely missing.
Quote from: relm1 on June 26, 2021, 04:12:44 PM
I'm very interested in hearing No. 4 since it is expansive with choir and orchestra but it seems completely missing.
Yes, I have 1,2, 3, 5 and 6 on Olympia or Northern Flowers CDs.
Dear Friends
great news!
we are releasing our new CD next week 27.11.21
with the World Premiere Recording of "Quartet-Symphony"
see trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaRzfcD-A8Y
thank you for having interest in this GREAT composer!
Quote from: Dimitri.P on November 16, 2021, 11:03:27 AM
Dear Friends
great news!
we are releasing our new CD next week 27.11.21
with the World Premiere Recording of "Quartet-Symphony"
see trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaRzfcD-A8Y
thank you for having interest in this GREAT composer!
Fantastic news to learn of new music by this wonderful composer! Can't wait to hear it! "heroic+lyrical" = a characteristic that embodies my favorite composers.
Great to know!
Can't wait.
:)
Quote from: Dimitri.P on November 16, 2021, 11:03:27 AM
Dear Friends
great news!
we are releasing our new CD next week 27.11.21
with the World Premiere Recording of "Quartet-Symphony"
see trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaRzfcD-A8Y
thank you for having interest in this GREAT composer!
Me wants this!! For a little moment I had thought it was the Fourth Symphony (which is not recorded yet).
Thanks for sharing this good news!!
Dear Friends
Our Album is finally out!
World Premiere Recording
Gavriil Popov - String Quartet in C Major, Op . 61 "Quartet-Symphony" 1951
The Official trailer:
https://youtu.be/qaRzfcD-A8Y
Listen, Download & Get the CD👇
https://www.quartetberlintokyo.com/shop
help us by spreading the word :)
Quote from: Dimitri.P on November 30, 2021, 07:48:18 AM
Dear Friends
Our Album is finally out!
World Premiere Recording
Gavriil Popov - String Quartet in C Major, Op . 61 "Quartet-Symphony" 1951
The Official trailer:
https://youtu.be/qaRzfcD-A8Y
Listen, Download & Get the CD👇
https://www.quartetberlintokyo.com/shop
help us by spreading the word :)
Thanks for the reminder, Dimitri!! A work that can't go unnoticed to me. And it's a monumental quartet. Almost 1 hour long!!
Today I gave the Quartet-Symphony a listen and I must say it's a terrific piece and very well played here. It's somewhat dense in its musical discourse, but it's worth listening in the end of the day. More listens will be necessary to understand it better.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on December 02, 2021, 06:03:55 PM
Today I gave the Quartet-Symphony a listen and I must say it's a terrific piece and very well played here. It's somewhat dense in its musical discourse, but it's worth listening in the end of the day. More listens will be necessary to understand it better.
Good to know. Thanks Cesar.
This composer is really damn good! Shame his music has been so little recorded. I just found the Olympia disc with symphonies 1 & 2 (I got a copy for 10 bucks, which I'm starting to realize I was really lucky to have found). Everything else is damn expensive so it looks like this will likely be the extent of my Popov collection, for now. But both of these symphonies are killer.
Shout out to Symphonic Addict and Kyjo for putting me onto this guy's stuff.
Quote from: vers la flamme on January 04, 2022, 02:51:57 AM
This composer is really damn good! Shame his music has been so little recorded. I just found the Olympia disc with symphonies 1 & 2 (I got a copy for 10 bucks, which I'm starting to realize I was really lucky to have found). Everything else is damn expensive so it looks like this will likely be the extent of my Popov collection, for now. But both of these symphonies are killer.
Shout out to Symphonic Addict and Kyjo for putting me onto this guy's stuff.
That Olympia CD is the best. You were lucky to get it that cheaply. I also like the Olympia CD featuring the valedictory 6th Symphony. They're both absurdly priced at around £90-100 on Amazon UK.
Quote from: vandermolen on January 04, 2022, 03:28:16 AM
That Olympia CD is the best. You were lucky to get it that cheaply. I also like the Olympia CD featuring the valedictory 6th Symphony. They're both absurdly priced at around £90-100 on Amazon UK.
+ 2. Both are excellent productions. If you can't find no 6 (coupled w the Chamber Symphony) it can be listened to via Spotify.
I see a copy of the 6th shipping included for 20 bucks so I might go for it. There's also some recordings on the Northern Flowers label (someone explain this label to me—I know they release a lot of old Soviet music; are these old reissued Soviet recordings like Olympia, or are they more recent?)
Listening to the 2nd again this evening. Really good stuff!
Quote from: vers la flamme on January 04, 2022, 02:51:57 AM
This composer is really damn good! Shame his music has been so little recorded. I just found the Olympia disc with symphonies 1 & 2 (I got a copy for 10 bucks, which I'm starting to realize I was really lucky to have found). Everything else is damn expensive so it looks like this will likely be the extent of my Popov collection, for now. But both of these symphonies are killer.
Shout out to Symphonic Addict and Kyjo for putting me onto this guy's stuff.
He really was a Soviet giant among the composers. I haven't heard any piece that I don't like yet. A remarkable figure.
If you like this composer's music, you could enjoy Rodion Shchedrin too. He shares some ideas among these composers, including Shebalin, Myaskovsky, Chargeishvili, Mosolov, Nosyrev, Eshpai, etc.
Quote from: vers la flamme on January 04, 2022, 02:51:57 AM
This composer is really damn good! Shame his music has been so little recorded. I just found the Olympia disc with symphonies 1 & 2 (I got a copy for 10 bucks, which I'm starting to realize I was really lucky to have found). Everything else is damn expensive so it looks like this will likely be the extent of my Popov collection, for now.
So much for that—I ordered the Northern Flowers releases with the 1st symphony, as well as the 5th and 6th symphonies on Olympia. Can't wait to hear all this, even if it does not live up to the greatness of the disc I already have.
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KaPhyftRL._QL70_ML2_.jpg)
Chamber Symphony
A captivatingly absorbing piece bearing an unmistakable Russian spirit plenty of alluring gestures not devoid of certain depth.
The Symphony No. 4 hasn't received the first official recording yet. I hope it will see the light of day in the rather near future.
Quote from: Symphonic Addict on May 26, 2022, 09:00:15 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51KaPhyftRL._QL70_ML2_.jpg)
A captivatingly absorbing piece bearing an unmistakable Russian spirit plenty of alluring gestures not devoid of certain depth.
The Symphony No. 4 hasn't received the first official recording yet. I hope it will see the light of day in the rather near future.
I think that, a bit like Nielsen's 6th Symphony, Popov's 6th Symphony tries to be 'Festive' (its subtitle) but is shot through with tragedy. Towards the end it seems to reference Boris Godunov by Mussorgsky - I find it very moving. 1,2 'Motherland' and 6 are my favourites.
Bump for a very good composer.
I listened to the Chamber Symphony/Septet earlier, and then Symphony No.1, the Northern Flowers disc. So good. I wish more conductors and orchestras would take up Popov's music.
Quote from: vers la flamme on August 28, 2022, 06:39:26 PM
Bump for a very good composer.
I listened to the Chamber Symphony/Septet earlier, and then Symphony No.1, the Northern Flowers disc. So good. I wish more conductors and orchestras would take up Popov's music.
Totally agree. I consider him to be a major figure - especially his first two symphonies. No.1 in my opinion, is the only one, other that Weinberg's 5th Symphony, which bears comparison with Shostakovich's 4th symphony.
It's listed as a concerto but its symphonic scale means I would also add Tishchenko's Violin Concerto No. 2 to that list.
Quote from: Maestro267 on August 29, 2022, 12:08:36 AM
It's listed as a concerto but its symphonic scale means I would also add Tishchenko's Violin Concerto No. 2 to that list.
I must give that another listen to. I'm sure that I have an old Olympia CD featuring it.
That's how I have it, yes. And I remember comparing it favourably to Shostakovich 4 within a few listens of it.
SYMPHONY N.4 BY GAVRIIL POPOV»
On February 6, 2023, the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theater will host the world premiere of Symphony No. 4 «Glory to the Fatherland» («Слава Отчизне») by the Leningrad composer Gavriil Popov. Previously played only in fragments, the symphony will be performed in its entirety for the first time. It will be presented by the vocal ensemble «Arielle» led by Elmira Dadasheva and artists of the Mariinsky Theater. Unlike the composer's three previous symphonies, the Fourth Symphony was written for a mixed choir and soloists without the participation of an orchestra. The composition turned out to be so complicated that no orchestra dared to tackle it, and this four-movement symphony has never been performed in full. In 1949, when the composer completed work on the composition, only the second part of the symphony «Spring» («Весна») was performed.
https://www.mariinsky.ru/news1/2023/2_2023/01_2/
Quote from: Roy Bland on February 01, 2023, 08:07:26 PMSYMPHONY N.4 BY GAVRIIL POPOV»
On February 6, 2023, the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theater will host the world premiere of Symphony No. 4 «Glory to the Fatherland» («Слава Отчизне») by the Leningrad composer Gavriil Popov. Previously played only in fragments, the symphony will be performed in its entirety for the first time. It will be presented by the vocal ensemble «Arielle» led by Elmira Dadasheva and artists of the Mariinsky Theater. Unlike the composer's three previous symphonies, the Fourth Symphony was written for a mixed choir and soloists without the participation of an orchestra. The composition turned out to be so complicated that no orchestra dared to tackle it, and this four-movement symphony has never been performed in full. In 1949, when the composer completed work on the composition, only the second part of the symphony «Spring» («Весна») was performed.
https://www.mariinsky.ru/news1/2023/2_2023/01_2/
Wow! no wonder it was never available. I hope they record it.
...wait what? It's just an acapella choir piece? "Unlike the composer's three previous symphonies, the Fourth was written for mixed choir and soloists without the participation of an orchestra."
With the help of Google:
""Composer Gavriil Popov, for whom Leningrad has become his hometown, has created a unique composition for a mixed choir and four soloists, where the choir takes on the difficult function of a symphony orchestra," says Elmira Dadasheva, artistic director and conductor of the Arielle vocal ensemble. – The composer created a rich choral texture, which refers us to the best examples of the Russian choral composer school – the works of Rachmaninoff, Taneyev and Grechaninov."
Indeed, Symphony No. 4 "Glory to the Motherland" for 4 Soloists and Chorus, Op. 47 (1949).
Again redefining what is a symphony.
Once again I'm astounded by the monumental and ambitious String Quartet, op. 61 (1951), rightly named 'Quartet-Symphony'. One of the pinnacles of Soviet/Russian string quartet literature for sure. It's a work of marked gestures, at times intense and piquant, and imbued with noble profoundness. What impresses me the most is that in its 57 min. long the work holds incredibly well and grabs the attention, the musical material is strong to give a very good impression (at least it did that for me).
I'm very thankful to the Quartet Berlin-Tokyo for performing it for the first time and doing it so masterfully. A formidable masterpiece in my view.
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2731f8d72f6e8f0d962262edf15)
Quote from: Løvfald on April 27, 2023, 06:46:44 PMOnce again I'm astounded by the monumental and ambitious String Quartet, op. 61 (1951), rightly named 'Quartet-Symphony'. One of the pinnacles of Soviet/Russian string quartet literature for sure. It's a work of marked gestures, at times intense and piquant, and imbued with noble profoundness. What impresses me the most is that in its 57 min. long the work holds incredibly well and grabs the attention, the musical material is strong to give a very good impression (at least it did that for me).
I'm very thankful to the Quartet Berlin-Tokyo for performing it for the first time and doing it so masterfully. A formidable masterpiece in my view.
(https://i.scdn.co/image/ab67616d0000b2731f8d72f6e8f0d962262edf15)
Wow! Never heard of this one and I greatly admire Popov's music and Schulhoff for that matter, whom I discovered through this Forum. Popov's symphonies 1,2 and 6 and Schulhoff's 5th Symphony in particular. I will be on the look-out for the SQ.
Cross-posted from the "blown away" thread:
Popov: Symphony no. 5 in A major Pastoral (1956)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1cZceaAMML._SX425_.jpg)
https://youtu.be/mP4HQ1rkLKU
(USSR State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gurgen Karapetian)
Oh, my goodness! Where has this magnificent music been all my life? I've known Popov's first two symphonies for quite a while and like them both very much, but neither have quite blown me away. The 5th is an absolutely spellbinding and unique composition from the very first bar, beautifully and colorfully orchestrated with especially great writing for the harp, glockenspiel, and xylophone. Though Popov had to slightly "tame" the wildness and dissonance of his writing after his 1st Symphony to suit the Soviet authorities, his style in this symphony is far from conventionally "Socialist realist" and contains some really piquant harmonies and unusual textures. There's wonderful contrast between the beautifully idyllic outer movements and the more dramatic inner ones (subtitled Storm and Struggle). What's especially remarkable is how little this work resembles anything else written by other Soviet composers at the time - there's hardly a hint of Shostakovich to be found! The above Olympia recording is very good - fortunately, since it's the only one - but this work is very much in need of a dazzling modern recording in order to bring it to the wider audience it so richly deserves. Whilst I admire the abundant attention that Popov's contemporary Weinberg is receiving by the record companies, it would be nice if they also turned their attention to Popov and numerous other little-known Soviet composers whose music has barely seen the light of day.
Quote from: kyjo on July 04, 2023, 08:20:43 PMCross-posted from the "blown away" thread:
Popov: Symphony no. 5 in A major Pastoral (1956)
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/A1cZceaAMML._SX425_.jpg)
https://youtu.be/mP4HQ1rkLKU
(USSR State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gurgen Karapetian)
Oh, my goodness! Where has this magnificent music been all my life? I've known Popov's first two symphonies for quite a while and like them both very much, but neither have quite blown me away. The 5th is an absolutely spellbinding and unique composition from the very first bar, beautifully and colorfully orchestrated with especially great writing for the harp, glockenspiel, and xylophone. Though Popov had to slightly "tame" the wildness and dissonance of his writing after his 1st Symphony to suit the Soviet authorities, his style in this symphony is far from conventionally "Socialist realist" and contains some really piquant harmonies and unusual textures. There's wonderful contrast between the beautifully idyllic outer movements and the more dramatic inner ones (subtitled Storm and Struggle). What's especially remarkable is how little this work resembles anything else written by other Soviet composers at the time - there's hardly a hint of Shostakovich to be found! The above Olympia recording is very good - fortunately, since it's the only one - but this work is very much in need of a dazzling modern recording in order to bring it to the wider audience it so richly deserves. Whilst I admire the abundant attention that Popov's contemporary Weinberg is receiving by the record companies, it would be nice if they also turned their attention to Popov and numerous other little-known Soviet composers whose music has barely seen the light of day.
Very interesting Kyle. Initially this disc did not make as much of an impression on me as did the one containing symphonies 1,2 'Motherland' and 6 'Festive' - clearly I need to listen to it again. I totally agree with your comment about record companies.
Quote from: vandermolen on July 04, 2023, 10:58:55 PMVery interesting Kyle. Initially this disc did not make as much of an impression on me as did the one containing symphonies 1,2 'Motherland' and 6 'Festive' - clearly I need to listen to it again. I totally agree with your comment about record companies.
I'm of the exact same opinion - No. 5 didn't leave an impression with me as much as the early ones did but will have to reinvestigate it. Perhaps I was looking for another Shostakovich and that was my mistake.
In the USSR, Gavriil Popov was known as the composer of music for many films and theatrical TV productions. Among others, he wrote music for the super-famous propaganda film Chapaev about the immensely popular Civil War hero -- there were hundreds of jokes (anecdotes) about Chapaev and his entourage, almost all of them ambiguous or salacious.
Quote from: relm1 on July 05, 2023, 06:10:32 AMI'm of the exact same opinion - No. 5 didn't leave an impression with me as much as the early ones did but will have to reinvestigate it. Perhaps I was looking for another Shostakovich and that was my mistake.
Yes, that was your mistake! ;) Popov (at least in this symphony) sounds nothing like Shostakovich, with beautifully luminous, almost impressionist textures and a lack of the biting irony and bleak soundscapes characteristic of the more famous composer. (To which I, as not one of the world's greatest Shostakovich fans, say "good!" 8))
Quote from: vandermolen on July 04, 2023, 10:58:55 PMVery interesting Kyle. Initially this disc did not make as much of an impression on me as did the one containing symphonies 1,2 'Motherland' and 6 'Festive' - clearly I need to listen to it again. I totally agree with your comment about record companies.
Definitely give the 5th Symphony another spin, Jeffrey - I'm sure you'll find much to enjoy in it. I'm really looking forward to exploring Popov's 3rd and 6th symphonies which are still unknown to me.
Quote from: kyjo on July 05, 2023, 06:43:14 AMDefinitely give the 5th Symphony another spin, Jeffrey - I'm sure you'll find much to enjoy in it. I'm really looking forward to exploring Popov's 3rd and 6th symphonies which are still unknown to me.
I especially like No.6 'Festive' Kyle. Like Nielsen's 6th it tries to be 'upbeat' but is actually tragic - it shows the influence of Boris Godunov in one place.
@kyjo your admiration prompts me to return to the work. Maybe tonight if I can get around to it. Like Vandermolen I'm afraid that disc left little impression, but I need to revisit. Big fan of the first two symphonies. I wish this composer was more performed in the present day.
Quote from: vandermolen on July 05, 2023, 02:41:12 PMI especially like No.6 'Festive' Kyle. Like Nielsen's 6th it tries to be 'upbeat' but is actually tragic - it shows the influence of Boris Godunov in one place.
I have managed to locate a copy of Popov's 6th (Olympia) at a sensible cost which duly ordered. Listened to opening on YT which sounds very promising.
Quote from: Irons on July 06, 2023, 12:05:21 AMI have managed to locate a copy of Popov's 6th (Olympia) at a sensible cost which duly ordered. Listened to opening on YT which sounds very promising.
Pleased to hear this Lol - I find the work rather moving, especially in view of Popov's problematical musical life. Sadly, the booklet notes tell us that he 'drank himself to death'. He was a fine composer. I've tried to get Alto to reissue the old Olympias but no luck so far.
Anyway, here he is - Gavriil Popov
Seriously, I'm the only person here who likes the 5th Symphony?! I expected more from you guys. ;D Hopefully Cesar comes to back me up soon. ;) How could anyone not be entranced by its uniquely magical opening, which somehow manages to be simultaneously delicate yet "steely"?
https://youtu.be/mP4HQ1rkLKU
Quote from: vandermolen on July 06, 2023, 12:35:27 AMPleased to hear this Lol - I find the work rather moving, especially in view of Popov's problematical musical life. Sadly, the booklet notes tell us that he 'drank himself to death'. He was a fine composer. I've tried to get Alto to reissue the old Olympias but no luck so far.
Anyway, here he is - Gavriil Popov
I think more pressure on Alto is required, Jeffrey. Two CDs dropped through my letterbox this week, the 3rd Symphony of Boughton and Popov's 6th. Beside the fact they were both written by communists, one by choice the other for necessity, they could not be more different. Boughton's symphony is embedded by tradition while Popov creates his own highly original sound-world. Try as I might I couldn't pigeonhole Popov, opens a bit like Mahler/Janacek, then later I thought of Copland with a good helping of DSCH sardonic wit, but gave up as he is his own man.
Outstanding sonics. Modern digital recording is highly detailed but sometimes I find anaemic. This is everything but being dynamic, upfront and powerful. Typical of analogue at it's best which it is (ADD).
I noticed informative liner notes by the late Per Skans who co-wrote with GMG resident Miaskovsky specialist ;) that composer's notes for Symphony set.
Quote from: Irons on July 08, 2023, 12:06:41 AMI think more pressure on Alto is required, Jeffrey. Two CDs dropped through my letterbox this week, the 3rd Symphony of Boughton and Popov's 6th. Beside the fact they were both written by communists, one by choice the other for necessity, they could not be more different. Boughton's symphony is embedded by tradition while Popov creates his own highly original sound-world. Try as I might I couldn't pigeonhole Popov, opens a bit like Mahler/Janacek, then later I thought of Copland with a good helping of DSCH sardonic wit, but gave up as he is his own man.
Outstanding sonics. Modern digital recording is highly detailed but sometimes I find anaemic. This is everything but being dynamic, upfront and powerful. Typical of analogue at it's best which it is (ADD).
I noticed informative liner notes by the late Per Skans who co-wrote with GMG resident Miaskovsky specialist ;) that composer's notes for Symphony set.
I don't think that I have that much influence with Alto, Lol, although I did suggest their Novak and Barry Wordsworth 'Job' recordings as well as the Walton Symphony No.1 'terrified sheep with approaching thunderstorm' - (which I regard as a metaphor for my life ;D ) cover painting which I came across in an art gallery in Bournemouth.
Per Skans wrote fabulous booklet notes. I was just communicating with him by email before he sadly died following an operation. I had been buying all those Olympias (Francis Wilson of Olympia kindly sent me the first of the new series - subsequently taken over by Alto, as a freebie featuring symphonies 1 and 25 which was v kind of him). I'd always liked the idea of having a go at writing booklet notes so I wrote to Alto about it. They told me that they had someone lined up to write them so I thought that that was the end of that. However, shortly afterwards the boss at Alto emailed me to see if I was still interested. I've now written 28 of them (Herrmann/Copland releases due out in the Autumn I think and also a Jerome Moross CD which I need to get on with). Nobody could compete with Per Skans but I did my best with those 6 Alto Miaskovsky (they call him Myaskovsky) releases, getting in contact with NYM's great niece in the USA, who kindly provided me with extracts from his diaries etc and using my Russian pupils at school as slave labour to do the translation from Russia for me. I gave them both a free copy of the Miaskovsky CD with an acknowledgment to them - it's just what every teenage Russian girl wants - I'm sure you'll agree. 8)
Quote from: kyjo on July 07, 2023, 06:32:57 AMSeriously, I'm the only person here who likes the 5th Symphony?! I expected more from you guys. ;D Hopefully Cesar comes to back me up soon. ;) How could anyone not be entranced by its uniquely magical opening, which somehow manages to be simultaneously delicate yet "steely"?
https://youtu.be/mP4HQ1rkLKU
The Fifth Symphony does appeal to me very much indeed. In fact, I had posted about it previously on my first account:
Quote from: SymphonicAddict on March 07, 2019, 11:07:38 AMI've been revisiting the recorded symphonies (I really miss a recording of the 4th!), and I'm pretty impressed (again) by them. Popov was noticeably creative and gifted of an unquestionable musical talent. At least I haven't heard any weak symphony by him. Now I'm finishing listening to the 5th Pastoral. It's just brilliant, and as its title says, it has a pastoral mood, blended with some late-romantic passages of important beauty and heroic moments. Something to notice too is the fine orchestration that conveys the colourful canvas in all its splendour. It's easily a masterpiece imho.
Quote from: vandermolen on July 08, 2023, 12:41:24 AMI don't think that I have that much influence with Alto, Lol, although I did suggest their Novak and Barry Wordsworth 'Job' recordings as well as the Walton Symphony No.1 'terrified sheep with approaching thunderstorm' - (which I regard as a metaphor for my life ;D ) cover painting which I came across in an art gallery in Bournemouth.
Per Skans wrote fabulous booklet notes. I was just communicating with him by email before he sadly died following an operation. I had been buying all those Olympias (Francis Wilson of Olympia kindly sent me the first of the new series - subsequently taken over by Alto, as a freebie featuring symphonies 1 and 25 which was v kind of him). I'd always liked the idea of having a go at writing booklet notes so I wrote to Alto about it. They told me that they had someone lined up to write them so I thought that that was the end of that. However, shortly afterwards the boss at Alto emailed me to see if I was still interested. I've now written 28 of them (Herrmann/Copland releases due out in the Autumn I think and also a Jerome Moross CD which I need to get on with). Nobody could compete with Per Skans but I did my best with those 6 Alto Miaskovsky (they call him Myaskovsky) releases, getting in contact with NYM's great niece in the USA, who kindly provided me with extracts from his diaries etc and using my Russian pupils at school as slave labour to do the translation from Russia for me. I gave them both a free copy of the Miaskovsky CD with an acknowledgment to them - it's just what every teenage Russian girl wants - I'm sure you'll agree. 8)
How interesting. I am sorry Jeffrey, but saying on one hand you have little influence and then the author of so many sets of notes sounds like a contradiction.
Not that many, but a few Olympia CDs on my shelves. Don't know if source or transfer but love the sound that company produced.