The symphonies of Alexander Borodin are compact and concise works, and unlike some other symphonies of the mid-19th century, they possess a clarity that reveals them as efficiently designed, logically developed, and almost Classical in their formal restraint. Indeed, they are close to Classical and early Romantic symphonies in their modest orchestration, moderate size of movements, and relatively short duration; all three can fit on one CD. Yet they also contain exotic elements that are quite characteristic of this member of the Mighty Five, the group of Russian nationalist composers that also included Modest Mussorgsky, Mily Balakirev, César Cui, and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. This album by
Gerard Schwarz and the
Seattle Symphony delivers fresh-sounding performances of the symphonies that balance the need for transparency with the heavier Russian strands, particularly in the Symphony No. 2 in B minor.
Schwarz and his orchestra give the music its proper color and intensity, so there is a fair balance struck between the demands of playing symphonically and striving for dramatic or nationalistic effects. The heavy, brooding Russian style of playing the Second is replaced here with a fleet and fiery interpretation, and
Schwarz is wise to give this symphony a lighter reading because it works best with his interpretations of the First and Third. The
Seattle Symphony plays with its familiar virtuosity and warm sound, and the album is satisfying for the coherence of
Schwarz's vision. Highly recommended.