Search - Kara Karayev, Dmitry Yablonsky, Russian Philharmonic Orchestra :: Kara Karayev: Symphony No. 3. Leyla and Mejnun; Don Quixote

Interesting music, well played

G.D. | Norway | 11/26/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Karayev was a pupil of Shostakovich, but his highly individual and expressive style is not really overly reminiscent of the slightly older master. The symphonic poem Leyla and Mejnun, the oldest work here and one of Karayev's most popular, is rather in the style of Khachaturian - an interesting and enjoyable nationalist pastiche, but in the end not very substantial work. Don Quixote, based on musical material for a film score, is more interesting: A series of character pieces connected by almost Pictures from an Exhibition-like promenade sequences, this is attractive, well-crafted and enjoyable music.



The third symphony is, however, the gem here. It combines elements of Azerbaijani music with Karayev's own and eminently individual take on serialism. Composed for a chamber orchestra, this almost chaleidoscopic score is colorful and interesting from start to end., excellently scored and not very like anything else.



The playing is a little rough at times, but Yablonsky and the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra on the whole convincingly bring these scores to life. The sound is a little lifeless, but nothing to complain too loudly about. Recommended.

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