Mily Balakirev is an outstanding representative of the Russian
national symphonism.
Blakirev started composing Symphony I in C major in the 60s, but he
managed to complete it only in 1897. The premiere performance of the
symphony took place in April of 1898 under the author's baton.
The music's epic scope, colorful treatment of folk themes,
combination of Russian and Oriental atmosphere, and usage of variation rates the
symphony among the works of "the new Russian school."
Blakairev mentioned about the pretext for composing of the
symphonic poem "Russia" in the preface for the second edition.
"The inauguration of the memorial for the millennium of Russia in 1862
inspired me to compose the symphonic poem "Russia", which was
originally published under the name "Millennium". Three Russian
folk songs from my collection laid the basis of the work.
M.
Balakirev
(1837 - 1910) Symphony
No. 1 in C Major
1. I. Largo - Allegro vivo - 11:42
2. II. Scherzo: Vivo - 6:53
3. III. Andante - 13:00
4. IV. Finale: Allegro moderato - 8:37
5. Overture on Three Russian Songs - 8:22
6. "Russia", symphonic Poem - 13:46
Total time: 62:06 The USSR Symphony Orchestra
Conductor, Evgeni Svetlanov Cover Painting - Demon and Tamara
by Vrubel
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