Boris Lyatoshynsky [1895-1968]

[Symphonic Addict]

The String Quartet No. 4 can be watched on YouTube in these two live performances:

Now we need a proper performance in great sound of the String Quartet No. 1, the only one that is missing.

[vandermolen]

Temptations shouldn't be avoid when they are harmless and give pleasure (do not think about the bank account, though). 

Just heard those two quartets (you see, I couldn't resist the temptation myself!) and I am more than positively impressed. Even though they are tonal, they are suffused with quite piquant gestures and spicy harmony, above all the No. 3. The slow movements of both are very special and for different reasons; one (the Intermezzo from the 2nd SQ) is hauntingly beautiful, like a lament, and it reminded me a bit of (oddly enough) Dvorak's American style, although it also seems to sound like Oriental music. Really beautiful. The Nocturne from the 3rd SQ has an eerie and mysterious atmosphere, pretty fascinating indeed, albeit most of that quartet is imbued with that quality. It could be the most interesting one of the two.

Committed ensembles like the Quatuor Tchalik are the ones that should tackle this repertoire to do them justice, and fortunately we obtain that in those highly spirited and sharp performances. This is already a discovery of the year to me.

Thanks for the feedback Cesar - good to know. I greatly admire the music of Lyatoshinsky/Lyatoshynsky.

[kyjo]

Lyatoshinsky is a composer who rarely disappoints. I have great admiration for all of his symphonies (especially nos. 2-4), the tone poem Grazhyna, and his Piano Quintet (Ukrainian Quintet, recorded recently by Naxos). A few months ago, I discovered his two excellent piano trios:



These works are firmly within the soulful Russian Romantic tradition, albeit with an moderately expanded tonal language. The 2nd Trio is especially compelling with its slow movement entitled In Character Ballad and its finale which is an inventive Theme and Variations.

[AnotherSpin]

Lyatoshinsky is a composer who rarely disappoints. I have great admiration for all of his symphonies (especially nos. 2-4), the tone poem Grazhyna, and his Piano Quintet (Ukrainian Quintet, recorded recently by Naxos). A few months ago, I discovered his two excellent piano trios:



These works are firmly within the soulful Russian Romantic tradition, albeit with an moderately expanded tonal language. The 2nd Trio is especially compelling with its slow movement entitled In Character Ballad and its finale which is an inventive Theme and Variations.

Russian?

[foxandpeng]

Lyatoshinsky is a composer who rarely disappoints. I have great admiration for all of his symphonies (especially nos. 2-4), the tone poem Grazhyna, and his Piano Quintet (Ukrainian Quintet, recorded recently by Naxos). A few months ago, I discovered his two excellent piano trios:



These works are firmly within the soulful Russian Romantic tradition, albeit with an moderately expanded tonal language. The 2nd Trio is especially compelling with its slow movement entitled In Character Ballad and its finale which is an inventive Theme and Variations.

I like what I've heard so far. More effort needed from me!

[kyjo]

Russian?

Sorry, Slavic would be a better term to use in this context.

[Mirror Image]

Temptations shouldn't be avoid when they are harmless and give pleasure (do not think about the bank account, though). 

Just heard those two quartets (you see, I couldn't resist the temptation myself!) and I am more than positively impressed. Even though they are tonal, they are suffused with quite piquant gestures and spicy harmony, above all the No. 3. The slow movements of both are very special and for different reasons; one (the Intermezzo from the 2nd SQ) is hauntingly beautiful, like a lament, and it reminded me a bit of (oddly enough) Dvorak's American style, although it also seems to sound like Oriental music. Really beautiful. The Nocturne from the 3rd SQ has an eerie and mysterious atmosphere, pretty fascinating indeed, albeit most of that quartet is imbued with that quality. It could be the most interesting one of the two.

Committed ensembles like the Quatuor Tchalik are the ones that should tackle this repertoire to do them justice, and fortunately we obtain that in those highly spirited and sharp performances. This is already a discovery of the year to me.

Quatuor Tchalik are a fantastic group. I own these two recordings from them, which are outstanding:



I'll have to check out this Ravel/Lyatoshynsky disc. Thanks for mentioning it! There are so many new releases that it's difficult to keep up with them all.

[Symphonic Addict]

Quatuor Tchalik are a fantastic group. I own these two recordings from them, which are outstanding:



I'll have to check out this Ravel/Lyatoshynsky disc. Thanks for mentioning it! There are so many new releases that it's difficult to keep up with them all.

Yes, glad to see that the reliable Quatuor Tchalik performed those Lyatoshinsky works with remarkable accuracy and panache. Works that haven't seen the light of day need performances/recordings like those to really shine and make an impression. I think you could enjoy that Ravel/Lyatoshinsky disc, John. I found the two Lyatoshinsky's SQs rather interesting, but the 3rd SQ is something else.

[Mirror Image]

Yes, glad to see that the reliable Quatuor Tchalik performed those Lyatoshinsky works with remarkable accuracy and panache. Works that haven't seen the light of day need performances/recordings like those to really shine and make an impression. I think you could enjoy that Ravel/Lyatoshinsky disc, John. I found the two Lyatoshinsky's SQs rather interesting, but the 3rd SQ is something else.

Very interesting. Thanks for the tip. I don't really know much about Lyatoshinsky's chamber music, but you're certainly making a strong case for it.