Taneyev: Symphony No. 4

On this CD:

1. Duet After Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet"
Composed by Sergey Taneyev
Performed by Moscow Radio & Television Orchestra with John Daniecki, Elena Shkolnikova, Stella Zambalis
Conducted by Peter Tiboris

2. Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 12
Composed by Sergey Taneyev
Performed by Moscow Radio & Television Orchestra
Conducted by Peter Tiboris

Taneyev: Symphony No. 4, Music, Sergey Taneyev, Peter Tiboris, Moscow Radio & Television Orchestra, Moscow Radio & Television Symphony Orchestra, Elena Shkolnikova, Stella Zambalis, John Daniecki, Classical, Classical Composers, Orchestral & Symphonic, Romantic Symphony, Symphonic, Vocal

Symphony 2 & 4
Average customer rating:

a joy to hear!

Appealing Music by a Russian Musical Maverick

Justice for Sergey Taneyev?

Underrated composer

Symphony 2 & 4
Taneyev , Polyanski , and Russian State Sym Orch
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Taneyev: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3

Taneyev: Piano Concerto in E flat major

Gernsheim: Complete Symphonies

Kurt Atterberg: The Symphonies (Box Set)

Ferdinand Ries: Complete Symphonies [Box Set]

ASIN: B00006FSPL
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Customer Reviews:

a joy to hear!.......2007-05-05

I remember reading that Taneyev's lazyness got the best of him and thats why he did not compose much orchestral music. But what he did compose is something heaven sent. His music has melody almost in the style of Tchaikovsky. The sound of the brass on this disc will keep your eyelids open. Both symphonys are powerful and Chandos always does a great job with its recordings. I never could find Taneyev's 1st & 3rd symphonys on disc, but to my great joy, these two will be out on the Chandos label later this month. Its about time! I can't wait!

Appealing Music by a Russian Musical Maverick.......2005-08-11

The notes to this recording opine that Taneyev makes his strongest musical points in his chamber music, suggesting that the orchestra was not a natural medium for him. This may be true; there is a certain ungainliness about both of these symphonies, but I still like them. In fact, while the Fourth Symphony is clearly more mature and polished, I don't enjoy the Second, especially its finale, any less. This finale is in the best "Russian festival" manner exploited by Russian nationalists like Borodin and Balakirev on the one hand and musical conservatives like Rubinstein and Tchaikovsky on the other. It swaggers along in an off-kilter sort of way, a function of both the thematic material and the orchestration, which the notes say have an "archaic" cut to them in the manner of Glinka. Whatever, this is quite attractive music in a bearish sort of way.

In the Fourth Symphony, the first movement impresses most, I think, with its motivic energy and strong compositional logic; Taneyev's debt to his musical mentor Tchaikovsky is clear in this respect alone. (The older composer's influence is much more obvious in the Second Symphony, which starts with an almost direct quote from "Romeo and Juliet.") Otherwise, the strange melodies, the dark orchestral colors, the harmonic sophistication are pure Taneyev. But then the slow movement has a serenity one would hardly expect from this composer, whose fast movements are usually given to noisiness. Taneyev lightens up a bit for the intriguing Scherzo, which sounds like Anton Rubinstein on a really, really good day! The finale is somewhat blustery, and the recasting of the waltz melody from the first movement as the heroic theme of the movement's peroration is not, to me, as convincing as it is to some writers; I don't really buy the triumph-to-tragedy program of this movement. However, it makes a suitably grand noise in the coda, and along the way there are some interesting foretastes of Gliere and Rachmanioff. Overall, then, this is an interesting and often moving symphony.

The performances here are a little rough-hewn, which matches the music well, I think. Maybe "brash" is a better description, and that certainly characterizes the very Russian brass playing. At times, it's almost raucous. In truth, critics have been somewhat divided over the performances; I agree with those who think Polyansky's big-scale, heart-on-sleeve approach is the right one to help this music leap off the page. The recording--exciting but a trifle raw--matches the interpretations exactly.

Justice for Sergey Taneyev?.......2003-07-04

Polyanski et al. give a more than able rendition of Sergey Taneyev's second and fourth symphonies, proving again the injustice of the iron repertory. These are remarkable, well-crafted and inspired works, on a par and sometimes even transcending those of Taneyev's close friend Tchaikovsky. Certainly, these works are not representative of the sort of generic Russian symphony of the late nineteenth century, although they are traditional in mould. In a way, the second and fourth symphonies stand out at opposite sides of Taneyev's oeuvre, the latter being far more exuberant than the former.
Comparison between Taneyev's and Tchaikovsky's fourth symphonies has apparently been inevitable, and astonishingly Taneyev's seems to end on top. For what it is worth, it certainly has one of the most explosive codas ever heard. All through both works, however, Taneyev's preoccupation with counterpoint is noticeable but it never gets in the way of enjoyment.
The fourth symphony has experienced somewhat of a revival, with no less than three recent recordings. However, you might want to devote some attention to number two. Written in three movements, this is a muscular piece of music, almost brusque at places. However, you'll be amazed at the unexpected turns that are taken, certainly if you are familiar with the Russian musical language of the period. Comparisons have been made with Bortkiewicz, which is somewhat puzzling given his rather rigid formality - a more fitting comparison, in my opinion, is that which Lyapunov, who shows the same playfulness that Taneyev exhibits, but perhaps not quite the same feeling for melody.
This disc compares well to Stephen Gunzenhauser's attempt with the Polish National Orchestra on Marco Polo. The recording is much clearer, 'crisper', than the Marco Polo, but it sometimes borders on the harsh. In my book, the best fourth is still Järvi's (also on Chandos, combined with the excellent Oresteia overture), but Polyansky's forces fare rather better with the second symphony than those of Gunzenhauser. If you have the money, buy this disk and Järvi's - you will not regret it, even with two versions of the fourth. If not, this is a very good starting point.

Underrated composer.......2003-06-18

Taneyev is an amazingly underrated composer. Before the 1980's, he was barely known outside the USSR, yet he was a student of Tchaikovsky. Taneyev's second symphony proves his worth just in the first movement. The entire work attains the power and passion of the Tchaikovsky 5th and 6th symphonies. One can definitly hear the teahcer's influence on Taneyev. There's even a quote from Handel's Hallelujah. Both symphonies are remarkable masterpieces and well worth hearing. I hope to see more Taneyev works on disk. Polyansky and his Russian forces draw the fire and Russian spirit out of both of the works. I hope to see Chandos release more works with this orchestra and conductor. Highly recommended for anyone, especially fans of Russian music!

Stay in Tune with PentaTone [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Stay in Tune with PentaTone [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Pentatone
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Psalms | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Super Artists on Super Audio, Vol. 2 [Hybrid SACD]
Russian Violin Concertos [Hybrid SACD]
Super Audio CD Sampler [Hybrid SACD]
Time Out
Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture etc. / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)

ASIN: B000B6N6HW
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Moderato
Allegretto-Presto
Double Chorus
Allegro
Espaniola
Allegro Con Brio
Adagio Sostenuto
Tempo Di Menuetto
Adagio For Violin And Orchestra In E Major, KV 261
In Paradisum
Sicilienne
'Hilf, Herr Jesu, Lass Gelingen'
Rondo
Prelude To Act III

Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev: Overture, The Oresteia/Symphony No. 4

Average customer rating:

Prefer the Overture to the Symphony....
A GREAT Romantic symphony
Lush neo-classic delight

Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev: Overture, The Oresteia/Symphony No. 4

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Taneyev: Chamber Music
Symphony 2 & 4

ASIN: B000000AMS
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Overture, The Oreistia Op. 6
Symphony No. 4 in C minor Op. 12 : 1. Allegro Molto
2. adagio
3. scherzo
4. allegro energico

Customer Reviews:

Prefer the Overture to the Symphony...........2000-09-29

I thought I'd add a slight dissenting voice to the other reviews since I far prefer the Oresteia overture (to which I'd award 5 stars) to the 4th Symphony (to which I'd award 4 - but carries the CD rating since it's most of the CD). The overture is an astonishing, brooding (yet ultimately joyful) piece that accurately - to my mind - pictures an individual fleeing from persecution before finding peace. Ostensibly, the individual in question is Orestes, but I find the emotions more or less universal. Until some brave soul records (or re-releases - a recording is listed in my 1988 Penguin Guide) Taneyev's full opera "The Oresteia", this is all we can get - which on this evidence is a terrible loss.

A GREAT Romantic symphony.......2000-04-19

Taneyev's Fourth Symphony is one of the great symphonies of the late 19th century--a dramatic, powerful and cogently organized piece. It's sad that there are only a few recordings of it, and tons of recordings of Tchaikovsky's Fourth, a far weaker work.

Although this symphony isn't overtly Russian in the way of say, Borodin, I think most listeners would accurately locate the composer's origin. Unlike most other Russians, this is a very sophisticated piece of work. Taneyev builds most of the melodic content for the whole piece out of the opening material of the first movement. We're also treated to splendid counterpoint and melodic development. Lest I make it sound too academic, however, let me add that the melodic content is very memorable.

The other reviewer suggests the piece is derivative, but I think that's a stretch. One can certainly hear echoes of Rimsky Korsakoff, but what strikes my ear are sections which presage Elgar and in one remarkable passage in the finale, Mahler.

If the piece has a flaw, it might be that it's a bit thickly orchestrated. This, combined with the stridency of some of the material can be wearing on the ear. Jarvi doesn't quite overcome these problems and he isn't helped by Chandos' echoey recording. While the performance is dramatic, I hope someone with a keener sense of orchestral balance will take up the work.

Be that as it may, this is a piece you should have in your collection. The Overture is also worthy and makes a nice addition.

Lush neo-classic delight.......2000-01-30

Discovered Taneyev quite by accident and what a wonderful surprise. Symphony #4 is quite beautiful and Oresteia overture is powerful. Sure it's derivative but more attention to Taneyev and contemporary Kalinnikov must be paid!

Average customer rating:

Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 12

Manufacturer: Musical Heritage Society
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0009HGSRI

Product Description

1) Overture, The Oresteia, Op. 6 2) Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, Op. 12.

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No4, Op36; Taneyev: Saint John of Damaskus

Average customer rating:

Marvellous Taneyev

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No4, Op36; Taneyev: Saint John of Damaskus

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000007MY4
Release Date: 1998-06-16

Tracks:

John Of Damascus, Op. 1: I. 'I Walk Along A Path Unknown To Me...'
John Of Damascus, Op. 1: 'For Now I Sleep The Eternal Sleep'
John Of Damascus, Op. 1: III. 'And On That Day...'
Symphony No. 4, Op. 36 In F Minor: I. Andante sostenuto - Moderato con anima
Symphony No. 4, Op. 36 In F Minor: II. Andantino in modo di canzona
Symphony No. 4, Op. 36 In F Minor: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Symphony No. 4, Op. 36 In F Minor: IV. Finale: Allegro con fuoco

Customer Reviews:

Marvellous Taneyev.......2000-09-29

This is only a review of the Taneyev piece, as I assume people can find the Tchaikovsky elsewhere...

"St. John of Damascus" was Taneyev's 1st publicly performed piece, but already it reveals much of his distinctive, but obviously Russian, style - particularly in the extensive use of counterpoint in the 3rd movement. The 3rd movement is a little laboured - Taneyev's melodic gift here doesn't quite measure up to his facility with counterpoint - but the gently textured 1st movement contains music of rare beauty, and on this basis I can heartily recommend this otherwise unavailable piece.

Taneyev: Symphony No. 4
Average customer rating:

Worth a 2nd, 3rd and 4th listen!

Taneyev: Symphony No. 4

Manufacturer: Bridge
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Classical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003GIS
Release Date: 1993-09-11

Tracks:

Duet After Tchaikovsky's Fant-Ov 'Romeo & Juliet'
Sym No.4, Op.12 in c: I. Allegro Molto
Sym No.4, Op.12 in c: II. Adagio
Sym No.4, Op.12 in c: III. Scherzo: Vivace
Sym No.4, Op.12 in c: IV. Finale: Allegro Energico

Customer Reviews:

Worth a 2nd, 3rd and 4th listen! .......2005-09-19

Sergey Taneyev's music is at best lush, romantic, and charged with a sensual and evocative sense of nuance that easily ranks with the better known Russian symphonic composers. At worst? There are moments that seem very mildly cliched and harmonic turns that do nothing more than suggest that something MIGHT have happened, but that you, gentle listener, should not fret needlessly over it. However, the gem of this album is not Taneyev's own composition, but the adaptation of the Romeo and Juliet Overture. Stella Zambalis shines here in all her customary spendour and seems perfectly at home in this lush and passionate world. Her performances of Mimi in Puccini's "La Boheme" have garnered rave reviews from both the critics and the listening public, a rare feat for most singers. This disk is certainly worth the price to gain familiarity with Taneyev's work and even more so to enjoy Ms. Zambalis' siren call in the Romeo and Juliet adaptation.

Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 4

Average customer rating:

Sergey Ivanovich Taneyev: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 4

Manufacturer: Marco Polo
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000009IL6
Release Date: 1992-12-17

Tracks:

Allegro Molto
Adagio
Scherzo
Finale: Allegro Energico
Adagio-Allegro
Andante
Allegro

Taneyev: Symphonies No. 2 in B-flat Major & No. 4 in C minor Op. 12

Average customer rating:

The dark presages !

Taneyev: Symphonies No. 2 in B-flat Major & No. 4 in C minor Op. 12
Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Russian Disc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000001LND
Release Date: 1995-02-07

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in B flat: Introduzione E Allegro. Adagio. Allegro. Adagio - USSR Radio And Television Large SO/Vladimir Fedoseyev
Sym No.2 in B flat: Andante - USSR Radio And Television Large SO/Vladimir Fedoseyev
Sym No.2 in B flat: Allegro - USSR Radio And Television Large SO/Vladimir Fedoseyev
Sym No.4 in c, Op. 12: Allegro Molto - Novosibirsk PO/Arnold Katz
Sym No.4 in c, Op. 12: Adagio - Novosibirsk PO/Arnold Katz
Sym No.4 in c, Op. 12: Scherzo. Vivace - Novosibirsk PO/Arnold Katz
Sym No.4 in c, Op. 12: Finale. Allegro Energico - Novosibirsk PO/Arnold Katz

Customer Reviews:

The dark presages !.......2004-11-24

Sergei Taneyev (1856-1915) was a very high appreciated musician in the czarist regime. Listening it you may realize how Rachmaninov was deeply influenced for him . But neither Tchaikovsky nor Rachmaninoff are capable to surpass him in the rapture melodic , expressiveness and explotation of instrumental possibilities . Taneyev is much closer to Mussorgsky than anyone of his colleagues and that distinction is crucial to get involved of a cold Caucasian atmosphere blending these dark shadows with that taken root religious fervor of the Russian people .

Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

Average customer rating:

Waiting.... Waiting.... Waiting....
Wonderful
Surprisingly exciting bargin
An Honor to be First To Review this Amazing Bargain!

Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Antoni Wit , Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra , and Bernd Glemser
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Liszt: Piano Works
Mendelssohn: The Complete Symphonies & String Symphonies
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Chopin: The Piano Works
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies

ASIN: B00005QISI
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

Allegro Tranquillo
Adagio Cantabile Ma Non Tanto
Scherzo: Allegro Scherzando Giocoso
Finale: Andante Lugubre
Hamlet

Tracks:

Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Vivo
Andantino Marziale Quasi Moderato
Scherzo: Allegro Molto Vivace
Finale: Moderato Assai - Presto
Andante Sostenuto - Moderato Con Anima
Andantino In Modo Di Canzona
Scherzo: Pizzicato Ostinato - Allegro
Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Introduzione E Allegro
Alla Tedesca: Allegro Moderato E Semplice
Andante Elegiaco
Scherzo: Allegro Vivo
Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
The Tempest

Tracks:

Andante - Allegro Con Anima
Andante Cantabile, Con Alcuna Licenza
Valse: Allegro Moderato
Finale: Andante Maestoso - Allegro Vivo
The Storm

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro Non Troppo
Allegro Con Grazia
Allegro Molto Vivace
Finale: Adagio Lamentoso - Andante
Francesca Da Rimini, Symphonic Fantasia

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Allegro Con Spirito
Andantino Semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo 1
Allegro Con Fuoco
Allegro Brillante
Andante
Allegro Maestoso

Tracks:

Allegro Brillante
Andante Non Troppo
Allegro Con Fuoco
Quasi Rondo
Contrastes

Customer Reviews:

Waiting.... Waiting.... Waiting...........2005-06-22

I gave this box set 5 stars because a friend has it, and I've heard his copy. I've not yet received my own copy. If there were a way to rate Amazon, I'd give them 0 stars. "Usually ships in 2-3 days" was the estimate when I ordered this on April 30th. The estimate now, on June 22nd, is "Usually ships in 7-11 days", and my estimated delivery date has become "July 26th - August 15th". Amazon sure has a unique definition for "2-3 days".

Wonderful.......2005-03-18

All great performances, so much music, and extra pieces are very well chosen. The sound quality is very good. Highly recommended.

Surprisingly exciting bargin.......2004-10-07

This slimline box set from the Naxos white label edition offers very compelling performances of all the symphonies, overtures, piano concertos, the Rimini fantasy and concert fantasia--plus two delightful posthumous pieces for piano and orchestra. Don't let the price fool you--although it is an incredible bargin. This is top notch stuff. The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Wit, Leaper and Glemser nail this material pretty consistently. And the recording is excellent. A most pleasant surprise and highly recommended.

An Honor to be First To Review this Amazing Bargain!.......2003-05-13

Okay, I'm JUST NOW hearing the final movement of the 6th Symphony, having heard Symphonies 1-5, the first 3 movements of the 6th and all the Piano Concertos & Overtures from this magnificent box set. The playing throughout this set is simply beautiful. If I were writing this ONLY to tell you that this is a STEAL of a DEAL, because of the bargain price, that would be ONE thing. Rather, I am stunned to say that I find this set perhaps preferable to all others I have heard -- ... I have purchased about all of the sets available and this set is FAR AND AWAY my preference over the highly-rated (and why?), .... Antoni Wit hits every Tchaikovskian nuance with exactly what it requires, as masterfully as any conductor ever has. Having compared lessor-known orchestras with the Vienna Philharmonic (etc.) before, I was not expecting the glorious sound that comes from the Polish National Radio Symphony. This playing is as good as it gets -- nothing compromised here. Incidentally, the last movement to the 6th Symphony just ended and -- dispite having heard this work TOO MANY TIMES -- Antoni Wit has given me a thrill up the spine that I have not gotten from this ghostly finale from any recording in memory. Even if you, like I, "already have the best recording" of this music -- I recommend you buy this. You won't be disappointed. His tempi are right on (never "too fast" here for effect, or "milk this" there for a bit of romantic indulgence), but he makes them absolutely work. The Overtures are, in some cases, the best on CD (and I do believe I have heard most of the other recordings). The pianist, Bernd Glemser made me smile several times at the skill and musicality he brought to the 2nd Piano Concerto, and his performances of Nos. 1 & 3 -- if not the best ever recorded -- are certainly without fault. I have actually heard the Concert Fantasy, a rare work for piano & orchestra, many, many times, and I don't think I would be far from correct to recommend this as the best version on CD as well. There is not a thing in this set that doesn't work, gloriously. Francesca da Rimini is thrilling and superbly well executed. It is difficult to find a comparable recording, despite the competition there also. In short (too late), this box is too good to be true, and belongs in every collection of classical music. Unbelievable!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Parks & Wilson: Pw01 [Import]

The Music of Frederick Fox, Vol. 2

Summer Tale for Large Orchestra

Wes Montgomery's Finest Hour

The Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Seduce Me

The Best of Russ Taff

Shimmer [CD-single] [Import]

Tanz Gluhen [Import]

The Essential José Carreras

Touchdown [Import]

Shelly

Time Will Reveal [Explicit Lyrics]

Beethoven: The Piano Concertos

The Big Reunion