Search - Aleksandr Kopylov, Antonio de Almeida, Moscow Symphony Orchestra :: Kopylov: Symphony, Op. 14; Scherzo, Op. 10; Concert Overture, Op. 31

Actually, 3 and a half; it's better than average

Evan Wilson | Cambridge, MA | 09/25/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you haven't heard of Aleksandr Kopylov, you're not alone. I hadn't heard a thing about him until I tripped across this disk and took a flyer on it. It was certainly worth the investment, although I hope someone else gives us a version.First, the music. Kopylov sounds alot like Borodin and Rimsky-Korsakov's love child; which to me is wonderful since Borodin didn't leave a large oeuvre and much of Rimsky Korsakov's music remains under-recorded. The symphony contains a number of gorgeous, Russian-sounding melodies (ala Borodin) clothed in that brassy, but rich sound we find especially in Rimsky-Korsakov. Perhaps the opening movement is on the long side, but it's hard not to be swept along by the lush Andante and boisterous finale. Overall, there are flat patches, but enough terrific music to keep the ear attuned and happy. As for the two fillers, the Concert Overture is the more memorable. Based on Russian liturgical music, it is definitely a direct relation to Rimsky Korsakov's Russian Easter Overture. The music is a little less boisterous that Rimsky's opus, but actually feels more appropriate to the idea of a religious ceremony. The Scherzo is entertaining, although the contrasting lyrical material is more interesting that the perky "scherzo" elements.A word needs to be said about the performances, because this is where the disc loses a star. Almeida must be lauded for finding such obscure, but wonderful, music to record so late in his life. (He died soon after this recording was made.) Unfortunately, there is a rhythmic slackness that affects alot of this recording. It is most notible in the first movement of the symphony, but also rears its head in the overture. Part of this may be the fact that the orchestra was not familiar with the music, but, whatever the cause, it leaves one with the feeling that the disc could have been even more enthralling. Be that as it may, this is more than a stop-gap recording and will give much pleasure to those interested in the music of the Mighty Five. The sound is fine. (Kopylov also wrote chamber and piano music which might provide another area for an enterprising company to mine. Hint-hint.)"