Myaskovsky: Symphonies No 24 & 25 / Yablonsky, Moscow Po CD

 Shining Myaskovsky
As symphonists go, Nikolai Myaskovsky, on the basis of this recording, was one of the best. I know it's only a small cross section of his huge body of work, but one cannot help but be impressed by these works. If I had to choose a favourite, it must be number 25, but at the same time, it's predecessor is by no means bad. The recording quality is beautiful, and this is matched by the performance. Yablonsky seems to know how to get the best out of his orchesta. On to the works themselves - number 24 is the more complex, featuring a much used motif in the first movement. It is serious and ardent, and uses a choir effectively in the second movement. The ending of this stirring section is surprising slow and melancholic, but is no less effective. The finale is not as memorable, but is good nonetheless. On to number 25, a work of powerful emotion and optimism, it is romantic in character. The first movement is slow and very well played by the orchestra. To be honest, if this were to be played in a concert hall this way, there wouldn't be a dry eye in the house. The backbone of the work, the recurring theme, is sad and wistful and as profound as you'll find in any symphony, by any compser. The second movement is faster and not as emotional, but it is a good transition piece between the first and last movents. It ends in an unexpected, Mozartesque, fashion, with the nice,sweet notes giving way to the more serious finale. The finale is befitting of such a work, strong at times, weeping at times, but never despairing. It concludes brilliantly and with triumph. Indeed, I would say it is the ideal way to end a symphony.
Submitted by Roger (Athlone, Ireland)
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