Divine Art Announces Extension of Artyomov Series

Following the completion of Divine Art’s 10-album series of orchestral, choral and chamber works by Vyacheslav Artyomov, which culminated in a stunning recording from 2018 of his symphony ‘In Spe’ (in Hope), it has been announced that the series is to be extended. Next to be issued will be a compilation of chamber works recorded over a period of time, some of which are given their first commercial release, including both studio and concert recordings.

Artyomov is considered by many to be the greatest composer living in Russia today. His music is absolutely individual and unique, though blending influences from Messaien, Scriabin and Pärt at times. A deep spirituality and political (pro-freedom) thrust also underlines his work. His use of unusual instrumental combinations as well as standard large orchestras gives his work enormous diversity. Here the range includes many fascinating sound templates. Artyomov has been championed by many leading figures including conductors Vladimir Ashkenazy, Dmitri Kitaeko and Teodor Currentzis (all of whom appear on the Divine Art series) and cellist Mstislav Rostropovitch.

The new album will be titled “Artyomov: Album XI” and will be released in the winter of 2019/2020 (date not fixed yet) and plans are in hand to begin a set of new studio recordings next year.

Works and Performer Details

• Hymns of Sudden Wafts *
  Igor Abramov (soprano and tenor saxophones); Alexwei Semionov (harpsichord); Yuri Smirnov (piano), rec. 1985
  
• Litany I
  Lev Mikhailov (soprano sax); Alexander Oseichuk (alto sax); Alexei Nabatov (tenor sax); Vladimir Yeriomin (baritone sax), rec. 1977 (Live)
  
• Litany II
  Vladimir Pakulichev (flute); A. Timochin (flute); Albert Gofman (flute); S. Khokhlov (alto flute), rec. 1982 (live)
  
• Sunday Sonata (for bassoon and piano)
  Valeriy Popov (bassoon); Piotr Meschaninov (piano), rec. 1978 (live)
  
• Sonata for solo clarinet**
  Oleg Tantsov (clarinet), rec. 1991
  
• Four Armenian Duets
  Ruzana Lisitsian (soprano); Karina Lisitsian (mezzo-soprano); Vyacheslav Artyomov (piano), rec. 1970
  
• Capriccio on the ’75 New Years Eve
  Lev Mikhailov (soprano sax); Vladimir Yeriomin (baritone saX); Ilia Spivak (vibraphone, flexitone, bells), rec. 1976

* Previously issued by Melodiya but from different source recording 
** Previously issued by Olympia

Divine Art Vyacheslav Artyomov Retrospective