Sergei Bortkiewicz (1877-1952) Two Symphonies Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 52 ("From my Homeland") Symphony No. 2 in E flat major, Op. 55 BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Martyn Brabbins, conductor Recorded in City Hall, Glasgow, February 2002 Hyperion 67338 [71:58] Comparisons: None on the market and don't expect any in the near future Sergei Bortkiewicz was an obscure composer born and raised in the Ukraine. Even when alive, he did not achieve much fame if for no other reason than he didn't stay very long in one place. He seemed to prefer Germany but had to flee during both World Wars. He also couldn't stay in Russia when the Revolution made it imperative for his family to take flight. Obviously, being in the wrong place at the wrong time did nothing to advance Bortkiewicz's career. Bortkiewicz's obscurity is assisted by his total disregard for the modern musical trends of the early 20th century. Although both his symphonies were composed in the late 1930's, they sound like they come from the year 1870. Such a strong 'backwards' emphasis and the fact that he was not one of the greatest Russian composers likely results in his lack of reputation. Is Bortkiewicz a *good* Russian composer? Certainly. His command of structure is admirable, development of themes is professional, and his basic melodies are attractive. In addition, the man knew how to use the brass sections of orchestras to create contrast and excitement. Actually, I find that his employment of brass instruments is his most endearing musical quality, and Brabbins insures that the brass are incisive and insistent. Unfortunately, Bortkiewicz's music has little distinction and even less originality. The two symphonies on the Hyperion disc reveal a very heavy debt to Tchaikovsky with deserved mention going to Borodin, Balakirev, and Rachmaninov. Both Bortkiewicz symphonies have the typical four-movement structure with fast 2nd movements and slow 3rd movements. The 2nd movements are the most enjoyable, being loaded with drive and appealing melodies. The D major's 2nd Movement Scherzo is particularly rewarding with its pizzicato opening section, but even here the debt to Tchaikovsky's Fourth Symphony is painfully obvious. The slow movements are covered in angst but tend to outstay their welcome. Concerning other reviews, the comments have gone as follows: MusicWeb................"What we have here is an unsung master composer." Classics Today.........."A genuine find." American Record Guide..."Two truly remarkable Russian Symphonies." Fanfare................."I am afraid their obscurity is more than accidental." Gramophone.............."A pale shadow of his greater predecessors" and "Bortkiewicz is one part vodka to 20 parts water." Who's right? Well, you'll have to make that decision on your own. From my perspective, Bortkiewicz is not a master composer nor a remarkable one. There are many dozens of Russian Symphonies that deserve greater exposure than Bortkiewicz's. Don's Conclusions: I'll give these Bortkiewicz symphonies a low-priority recommendation. The performances are excellent and the recorded sound appropriately rich. If this disc finds its way in the future to my audio system, it will only be because of the pungent contributions from the brass. Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if the disc just sits for years in my music library; its impact on me has been minimal. However, I am impressed with the "vodka" comment from the Gramophone reviewer but feel that five parts vodka would be a more accurate proportion. Let's all drink some vodka, and the music of Bortkiewicz might bloom. Have a good evening and stay alert! Don Satz [log in to unmask]