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Title: Excellent Russian Romanticism
Review: Arensky studied with Tchaikovsky as well as Rimsky, and you hear the influences of both in his music, Indeed, the symphony recorded here opens up like a lost composition by Pyotr Ilich, then mixes periodic Tchaikovskian moments with influences of Rimsky and Borodin. The symphony is tuneful, imaginatively orchestrated, and sheer delight to listen to. If you like the music of the composers I've already mentioned, you're going to like this symphony every bit as much.The other works are also highly enjoyable. Arensky is probably best known for the Tchaikovsky Variations, and justifiably so. The working out of the variations is ingenious, but technique never distracts from the quality of the music. The other works are smaller, but not lesser.Playing is first-rate, as is Chandos' audio. I have quite a bit of Arensky in my collection, and this recording is the gem of the series.
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