Borodin Symphony No.2

Well, I went into borders the other day and thought I would purchase a recording of the piece I would be playing at the end of the year at the MYM annual Summer School. I was very curious, as I had never heard any works by this composer but had read about him a couple of times. So, now the verdict.

The first movement opens with a very strong, rhythmic, and somewhat dark motive from the strings and horns. It is repeat several times and interrupted on several occasions by an allegro, exciting passage. The second subject is very nice, introduced by the cellos and not dragging on for too long. Occasionally oppressive listening because of some hollow repeats, but nevertheless a highly involving movement of around seven minutes.

The second movement is a presto scherzo and has an entirely different mood from the first movement. It is quite cheerful, very melodic and energetic. Quite a bit of fun to play, but not that exciting for trumpeters.

The third movement is warmly romantic and very beautiful. It is of course the slow movement, and there is one particularly glorious movement about two minutes from its conclusion where the whole orchestra states the main theme before it fades into tranquility. There's a trumpet solo in this movement too.

The finale is very exciting and energetic, more trumpet and very blustery. A dramatic contrast to the preceding movement as well which makes it so involving. It is very fast, and the main section has a 5/4 feel. Alongside the third movement as my favourite(s).

Overall a very enjoyable piece, but without the same involvement as the trumpets got when I played Shostakovitch's 1st Symphony last year. Recommended listening. All those in favour of music from the romantic era, Dvorak and Mahler will love this work very much. A bit too dissonant for 4'33'' fans.