GEORGI SVIRIDOV (1915-1998): Poem to the Memory of Sergei Yesenin for Tenor, Choir and Orchestra (Yurlov Russian Choir, Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra; Yuri Temirkanov. rec. 1957), Wooden Russia for Tenor, Men’s Choir and Orchestra (Yurlov Russian Choir, Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra; Gennady Rozhdestvensky. rec. 1970), My Father is a Peasant for Tenor, Baritone and Piano (Igor Morozov [baritone], Georgi Sviridov [piano]. rec. 1980).

Description: The Poem is an important, major work in Sviridov's output. This grand and impressive cantata finds the composer in his most fervently nationalistic mode, perfectly matched with 'the most Russian' poet, Yesenin, in an eloquent celebration of the Russian soul and Russian life. Sviridov was one of Shostakovich's most outstanding students, but while his teacher's influence is undoubtedly detectable, when Sviridov was writing patriotic or religious music the hard edge of some of his instrumental works is suppressed in favour of a Romantic opulence and a distinctive, profound melodic gift which looks back to his forebears in Russian Romanticism - Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin, even Tchaikovsky. The varied individual numbers encompass grandeur, melancholy, riotous celebration and a harrowing portrayal of the fate of the common people under civil war. The small cantata Wooden Russia sets early verses by the poet, in an optimistic, patriotic mood, deceptively simple, more intimate, emphasizing melody above all. The cycle with piano accompaniment draws on folk idioms for affectionate, sometimes humorous, proud or gentle Romantic views of peasant life. No texts. Alexei Maslennikov (tenor).