Search - Anatol Lyadov, Stephen Gunzenhauser, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra :: Liadov: Orchestral Works

Liadov's Masterpiece

Joshua Grasso | Oxford, OH USA | 02/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very timely reissue of one of my favorite Marco Polo discs--and a very affordable one at that (the original cost me 18.99!). An indespensible program for lovers of Russian Romanticism, Liadov's miniatures easily take their place among Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin, and Balakirev, conjuring up a world of fairy tales, spectacle, nostalgia, and folk song. This disc represents the breadth of Liadov's abilities, from the celebratory Polonaises, the orchestral wizardy of "Baba Yaga" and "Kikimora," the folksong-inspired Ballade and Mazurka, and the otherwordly "Enchanted Lake" and "From the Apocalypse." Though unable to write a truly "big" work, Liadov left us with innumerable orchestral gems that, taken as a whole, easily add up to a Golden Cockerel, or Prince Igor. However, it does make you wonder what would have happened had Liadov actually completed his projected "Firebird" ballet...An exciting and highly rewarding disc, even if the sound isn't quite top notch (but the performances are quite good so it all balances out)."

Lost opportunity

DJ Rix | NJ USA | 12/26/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I love this music, but my ears keep telling me these are unexceptional performances with flat engineering. I have to go with my ears, because I am also familiar with Gunzenhauser's disappointing survey of Beethoven's overtures for Naxos with the same orchestra. So he seems to specialize in lost opportunities. Have to take this kind of music almost over the top to make it hop. Unfortunately, there aren't many collections of Liadov."