Glazunov Sonatas

[lontano]

After a stressful week, and day, I've discovered a fascinating work by Glazunov: His Piano Sonata #2.

This is a wonderful, yet very difficult work. Of course, it is demanding (the 2nd Movement (at least) has very specific fluid interval demands), yet the effect is splendid (per key/mode), as much of what I would ask of any composer from the Soviet period. (Ignore that, it's an unqualified statement!)

I like Glazunov, the little I've gotten to know, and I advise others (with the chops) to look into his works. His Symphonies are very well constructed, considering the Stalinist requirement to be, essentially, politically correct. 

I'm attaching his 2nd Sonata (score), and see what you make of it. The CD's are readily available.

I hope you enjoy it! 

L.

[abj]

Is the only recording from Glazunov: Piano Music, Vol. 3 (1992)? It is the only recording I've heard anyway. Unfortunately it doesn't come close to equalling Scriabin's harmonic intensity (for those that are expecting something similar to Scriabin; I recommend his first sonata), but it is a very nice piece. Especially during the counterpoint in the finale.

[lontano]

Is the only recording from Glazunov: Piano Music, Vol. 3 (1992)? It is the only recording I've heard anyway. Unfortunately it doesn't come close to equalling Scriabin's harmonic intensity (for those that are expecting something similar to Scriabin; I recommend his first sonata), but it is a very nice piece. Especially during the counterpoint in the finale.

Well, I never suggested equating Glazunov's harmonies with Scriabin's. I've thoroughly explored Scriabin's harmonic progression (30 years ago) and am trying to find composers that are new to me, and possibly others, for possible repertoire items.

I will explore Glazunov's first sonata and see how it affects me. The recording I have is by Duane Hulbert, from the 1998 Complete Piano Music, Vol.1 on Bridge 9102 CD. It includes Sonata 1 & 2, 2 Impromptus, and "Theme & Variations in f#", Op.72. Very fine playing.

Who is playing on your CD?

L.

[abj]

Well, I never suggested equating Glazunov's harmonies with Scriabin's. I've thoroughly explored Scriabin's harmonic progression (30 years ago) and am trying to find composers that are new to me, and possibly others, for possible repertoire items.

I will explore Glazunov's first sonata and see how it affects me. The recording I have is by Duane Hulbert, from the 1998 Complete Piano Music, Vol.1 on Bridge 9102 CD. It includes Sonata 1 & 2, 2 Impromptus, and "Theme & Variations in f#", Op.72. Very fine playing.

Who is playing on your CD?

L.

Tatjana Franova.

https://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.223153

It might just be the piano, but to me it sounds at times a bit too rough.

[lontano]

Tatjana Franova.

https://www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.223153

It might just be the piano, but to me it sounds at times a bit too rough.

I listened to the Naxos recording of the 2nd movement (2nd sonata), and it did sound a bit harsh. I'll attach the beginning of the same piece from Hulbert's recording on Bridge and you can decide which one you like better. I'm off to listen the 1st sonata now.

L.

[indutrial]

Hello again, Mr. Lontano.

I hope for the sake of your interests that you keep a watchful eye on the Pianophilia.com forum and IMSLP, as both have been doing loads of fine work towards resurrecting great piano works from Russia and the USSR. While I'm generally more interested in the composers who picked up where Scriabin left off (Roslavets, Mosolov, Feinberg, etc...), I've been getting more and more interested in composers like Glazunov and Gliere. I was fortunate enough to see a great performance of Glazunov's Saxophone Quartet last year (he was one of the first Russian composers to write anything for saxophones) and I am very interested in hearing more of his works.

[lontano]

I've taken note of the vast number of Russian composers on IMSLP, but for some reason, after registering at Pianophilia earlier this year I seem to have neglected the site for no apparent reason. I've re-registered and will see what's offered there.

Thanks!

[antichrist]

He ruined Rachmaninoff's concert
but the work looks well structured

[lontano]

He ruined Rachmaninoff's concert
but the work looks well structured

You want to qualify that remark with something akin to actual thought and a bit of logic, at the very least?