Symphony No.23 in A minor ''Symphony-Suite on Kabardanian Themes'' - Nikolai Myaskovsky

St. Petersburg State Academic Symphony Orchestra conducted by Alexander Titov.
I - Lento - Allegro alla marcia - Poco più pesante - Meno mosso (ma sempre alla marcia) - Moderato assai - Allegro come prima - Poco più pesante - Meno mosso (sempre alla marcia) - Lento: 0:00
II - Andante molto sostenuto - Poco più caloroso - L'istesso tempo, ma più pesante - Tempo I - Più appassionato - Più tranquillo - L'istesso tempo, ma più pesante - Tempo I: 14:40
III - Allegro vivace - Molto meno mosso - Tempo I - Poco più pesante - A tempo: 22:59
Myaskovsky's Symphony No.23 was composed in December 1941, being premiered on June 5 (July according to other sources) of 1942 through a radio broadcast from Moscow, played by the Great Symphony Orchestra of the Committee of the Soviet Union Radio conducted by Nikolai Golovanov. In September 1942 he was surprised by the death of Vladimir Derzhanovsky, an eminent musicologist and editor of the Muzyka magazine for many years, in which Myaskovsky had contributed several articles. They were also great friends, therefore it is not surprising that he dedicated the work to his memory.
When Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, Myaskovsky and many other composers were relocated. In August, he was moved first in Nalchik (capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic), then to Tbilisi (capital of Georgia) and later for a short time in Frunze (capital of Kyrgyzstan), after which he returned to Moscow in December 1942. It was in Nalchik were Myaskovsky recollected a great amount of Kabardinian folksongs and materials he would employ in his String Quartet No.7, and Symphony No.23 as well. Prokofiev also used Kabardinian folk music for his second string quartet.
The first movement is structured in an expanded sonata form. It begins with a long, slow introduction in which a melancholic theme is presented by the woodwinds, based on an old song Nart. The Nart songs derive from the Nart sagas, which are part of the North Caucasus mythology. After a pause, the allegro begins with a folkloric and rhythmic main theme based on the song "Vaksanstroi". A dancing second theme is also presented, called "Chetichezhev Ogurbi". A lyrical third theme appears, derived from a Kabardinian folksong entitled "Saltan-Khamid". Follows a brief but luminous development section in a popular style. Instead of a recapitulation, the material from the introduction reappears, leading us to a meditative coda.
The second movement is structured in ternary form. It begins with a lyrical main theme, derived from two old folksongs from the Balkans. It is richly presented by the clarinets of the rest of the woodwinds, then expressively taken by the orchestra. The middle section opens with a warm and charming second theme, based on a Kabardinian love song. After reaching a mild climax, the main theme is recapitulated in a nostalgic way. The music dissolves into silence after solo of the horn with the main theme.
The third movement is written as a rondo (A-B-A'-C-A''-Coda). It begins with a rhythmic and lively main theme in the form of a lezghinka, a folk dance of the Caucasus. A playful second theme is also presented, derived from an old Balkan comic song called "Khalimyat". The main theme is brilliantly recapitulated. A deeply lyrical and contemplative third theme appears, derived from the folksong "Arau Batai ak Batai". The main theme is brought back with its joyful tone, leading us to a colourful and optimistic coda.
Picture: Photograph of Mount Elbrus (located in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic).
Musical analysis mostly written by myself. Source: bit.ly/3pxzm3z
To check the score: bit.ly/3BzS9lP

[@bobhourigan7626]

This symphony was a real joy to hear. Myaskovsky's beautiful use of folk material reminds one of the Russian masters of the late 19th century. A beautiful post listened to with many thanks.

[@bowerdw]

Pastoral and serene to my ears.

[@rogernortman9219]

Myaskovsky's symphonies are so numerous and usually profound that he can easily afford a cheap, folksy onr like # 23.

[@Queeen7q]

Prokofiev at the same time wrote his 2nd quartet after Caucasian themes, also.

[@gemeni0]

The advance of the Germans towards Moscow was stopped by strong snowstorms, a nature allied with the Soviet army. Si non e vero, e ben trovato!

[@russian_classic]

Germans were so stupid that did not know that there are winters in Russia. and Soviet soldiers did not feel cold

[@ezequielstepanenko3229]

@@russian_classic And I used to think it was the red army and the later winter offensive that stopped the german advance toward moscow