Vyacheslav Artyomov: In Memoriam and other works
Vyacheslav Artyomov is considered by many to be Russia’s greatest living composer. His music 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 is a mix of new recordings and former Melodiya releases. This is the eighth instalment, containing three orchestral works, with an over-arching sorrowful cast – remembering, like his Requiem, the suffering of the Russian peoples under Soviet rule (and for In Memoriam, a tribute to the composer’s mother), and all typifying Artyomov’s true genius as a truly individual composer who can make thoroughly modern music listenable and demanding further regular hearings.
Three fine orchestras and conductors, and superb soloists, provide a rich and satisfying program of substantial modern orchestral music.
Track Listing
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Vyacheslav Artyomov (b.1940)
- In Memoriam (20:35)
- Lamentations - I (3:47)
- Lamentations - II (4:10)
- Lamentations - III (4:46)
- Pietà (21:27)
- Tristia I (16:40)
Reviews
“The soloists on the CD are somewhat familiar in the West and they do not disappoint. The orchestral playing is very good too. I don’t think anyone will complain about the performances, as long as they can accept the fact that these works take an emotional toll. Artyomov is a gifted composer and I am glad that Divine Art has decided to reissue (now) eight CDs of his music.
” —Raymond Tuttle
“These works are more somber than lyrical, more ecstatic than passionate; luminous clusters of string sound and intense melodies with wide intervals abound. They still sound very good after all these years, and the performances hold up, too.
” —Rob Haskins
“The music is intense… at times, challenging. The recordings are vivid. Superb booklet that has colour photographs and extremely informative essays in English and Russian.
” —Jim Westhead
“Compelling listening. This music is slow and sombre, the lightness achieved through transparent scoring. These pieces are worth hearing, and a useful introduction to a figure who deserves wider recognition. The performances are authoritative and well-engineered.
” —Graham Rickson
