ALEXANDER BORODIN (1833-1887)
Symphonies Nos. 1-3

Classics Today [11/17/2004]:
Artistic Quality: 10 / Sound Quality: 10
"Borodin’s First Symphony isn’t especially interesting, but his Second is a masterpiece, tightly constructed, brilliantly orchestrated, and tunefully delightful. It’s really the only work of its period to rank with the symphonies of Tchaikovsky (along with, possibly, Balakirev’s First), and Tjeknavorian’s performance of it, indeed of all three works, is outstanding. He doesn’t fuss with or manipulate tempos or textures, preferring instead to keep the music moving energetically and allowing the musicians of the National Philharmonic to inject as much color and vitality as possible. The scherzo flashes by like lightning, the slow movement is aptly seductive, and the finale dazzles. As I suggested, the other two works are less obviously successful, but the performances are no less adept. Produced by Charles Gerhardt, we can expect fine sonics, and that’s just what RCA delivers. In this music, you won’t find better." --David Hurwitz

• Symphony No. 1 in E-Flat
• Symphony No. 2 in B Minor
• Symphony No. 3 in A Minor (unfinished)

National Philharmonic Orchestra
Loris Tjeknavorian

Recorded February 1977, Kingsway Hall, England
Produced by Charles Gerhardt
Recording Engineers: Kenneth E. Wilkinson, Martin Atkinson
Reissue Producer & Engineer: Jon M. Samuels
This compilation ® & © 2004 BMG Music
RCA Red Seal 82876-62321-2