Artyomov: The Way to Olympus and other works
Vyacheslav Artyomov is considered by many to be Russia’s greatest living composer. After the fall of the Soviet regime his music has travelled the world to great acclaim. It is deep, ultimately spiritual and brilliantly crafted, with influences from the Russian symphonic tradition colored by Mahler, Scriabin, Honegger and Messiaen to name a few – but melded into a unique voice.
The Divine Art Artyomov Retrospective continues with the magisterial symphony The Way to Olympus, chamber orchestral works and Preludes to Sonnets, Artyomov’s only solo piano work.
Recorded at the height of achievement of the major Soviet orchestras, conducted by major figures including the universally acclaimed Rozhdestvensky.
Track Listing
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Vyacheslav Artyomov (b.1940):
- Symphony: The Way to Olympus (33:18)
- Gurian Hymn (13:46)
- Preludes to Sonnets - I (2:59)
- Preludes to Sonnets - II. (2:01)
- Preludes to Sonnets - III. (4:45)
- Concert of the 13 - I. Andante - Allegro (1:37)
- Concert of the 13 - II. Moderato (3:56)
- Concert of the 13 - III. Allegretto (2:39)
- Concert of the 13 - IV. Lento - Allegro (5:07)
Reviews
“While the forces may vary, there’s a consistency throughout all these works. Artyomov’s deeply spiritual philosophy imbues every composition. The music alternates between suspended time and bursts of activity. Harmonies are post-tonal, yet not atonal. If you’re looking for an introduction to Artymov’s music, this is a good place to start.
” —Ralph Graves
“The performances seem excellent, with no lack of commitment or understanding. . He is an intriguing composer and a mystic, and it will be interesting to see what else is uncovered. For now, a thumbs-up.
” —Raymond Tuttle
“[Artyomov] writes big, ambitious tunes; listening to his we always feel small; Artyomov is a being who understands and has mastery of the universe. Powerful stuff… meaty fare, but not unapproachable or even particularly “difficult”; it’s the scope of his ambition that’s hard to take in.
” —Jeremy Condliffe
“Vyacheslav Artyomov’s one-movement symphony is the atmospheric centrepiece of this disc – the layering of sounds is hypnotic and the effect is powerful.
” —Freya Parr
“Music that is by turns riotously colourful, knowingly confrontational and profoundly moving. The Way to Olympus is singularly compelling… Gurian Hymn is an enthralling composition and one that deserves to be far better known. It is sublimely played and recorded… This fascinating disc provides a decent starting point for listeners keen to investigate the strangely diffuse but parallel worlds of a Russian composer whose oeuvre seems consistently unpredictable. , I would actually dare to suggest that the deeply impressive Gurian Hymn is well worth the disc’s asking price on its own.
” —Richard Hanlon
“We find a composer of decided importance… “Symphony: The Way to Olympus.” is a beautifully paced, sprawling and highly evocative sound poem for orchestra, here recorded some time ago but sounding gloriously well. I find the performances and recording quality highly appropriate and appealing. Artyomov deserves our undivided attention as a tragically underappreciated Modern master, creating beautifully advanced music in spite of social neglect and isolation. His time has come.
” —Grego Edwards
“The Way to Olympus is a complex, thoughtful and ultimately satisfying symphony. If it had a chance, I believe it could be one of the ‘great’ examples of this genre for our time. [Gurian Hymn] is memorable and moving. The CD has been well-remastered from the original Melodiya recordings; for example, the clarity is, for me, perfect. This CD is an interesting musical exploration that is both compelling and satisfying.
” —John France
