Taneyev: At the Reading of A Psalm, Op. 36, Cantata No. 2 Russian National Orchestra & M. Pletnev

• First Movement
• 1Chorus (Allegro tempestoso)05:12
• 2Double Chorus (Andante sostenuto)04:50
• 3Chorus. Triple Fugue (Fuga à 3 soggetti) (Andante-Allegro molto)07:38
• Second Movement
• 4Chorus (Allegro moderato-Fuga.Allegro tenebroso)03:39
• 5Quartet (Andante)10:55
• 6Quartet and Chorus(Adagio ma non troppo)08:40
• Third Movement
• 7Interlude (Allegro appassionato)06:20
• 8Aria (Alto Solo) (Adagio più tosto largo)10:22
• 9Double Chorus (Finale) (Adagio pietoso e molto cantabile- Allegro moderato-Allegro molto)10:55
• Total Runtime01:08:31

Info for Taneyev: At the Reading of A Psalm, Op. 36, Cantata No. 2

Sergei Ivanovich Taneyev (1856-1915) is considered to be Russia's most idealistic composer. His students at the Moscow Conservatory included Rachmaninoff and Scriabin. Cantata No. 2 is his last work, based on a poem by Alexey Stepanovich Khomyakov, "a personal meditation following the reading of the fiftieth Psalm" in which God speaks to the people. There are three movements each comprised of three sections including descriptive accounts of a storm and an earthquake, contrasting the grandeur of the universe and man's morality. Notes by Francis Maes unfairly compare this cantata with Beethoven's Missa Solemnis. Taneyev's music is grand in scale, constantly rewarding and his mastery of composition is evident from several fugues particularly the triple fugue at the conclusion. This performance is magnificent with four sterling soloists, a large enthusiastic chorus, and orchestral playing of the highest order. Mikhail Pletnev, who already has a DGG recording of Taneyev's Cantata No. 1 ("St. John of Damascus"), continues to impress as a conductor. The performance was recorded live in St. Petersburg's Philharmonic Hall May 1-2, 2003, with Job Maarse as executive producer. Without question, this is one of the finest, most realistic choral/orchestral recording to be heard, particularly the realistic, natural sound of the large chorus which, even at high volume, doesn't blast.

Mikhail Pletnev is making a real name for himself as a conductor of the very highest order. This relatively little known cantata represents the core of his expertise; Russian music by Russian musicians recorded to the very highest standards. In style, it is not far removed from the choral music Rachmaninov or Sviridov, but Tanayev has a romantic religious flair which is difficult to resist.

“Sergei Taneyev's At the Reading of a Psalm is an overlooked masterpiece of the Russian music literature. I am happy PentaTone shared my dream of recording this great cantata, and I hope that our disc will bring it the recognition which it well deserves.” (Mikhail Pletnev, Conductor)

"Taneyev's music is grand in scale, constantly rewarding and his mastery of composition is evident from several fugues particularly the triple fugue at the conclusion. This performance is magnificent with four sterling soloists, a large enthusiastic chorus, and orchestral playing of the highest order... Without question, this is one of the finest, most realistic choral/orchestral recordings to be heard... This is a handsome production with complete texts in Russian, English, German and French. Highly recommended!" (Classical CD Review, March 2005)

"Taneyev's use of fugue as symbol of 'the superior reason dominating the universe' [compares] with Beethoven's approach to sacred words in the Missa Solemnis... Mikhail Pletnev does well to clarify this, and much else in the work, so successfully. [The music] rewards the close listening it demands." (Gramophone, December 2004)

Lolita Semenina, Soprano
Marianna Tarassova, Alto
Mikhail Gubsky, Tenor
Andrei Baturkin, Bass
St. Petersburg State Academic Capella Choir
Vladislav Tchernushenko, Chorus master
Boys Choir of the Glinka Choral College
Vladimir Begletsov, Chorus master
Alexei Bruni, Concertmaster
Russian National Orchestra
Mikhail Pletnev, Conductor
Recorded live at the Philharmonic Hall St. Petersburg, May 1-2, 2003
Executive Producer: Job Maarse
Producers: Sergei Markov, Rick Walker
Recording Producer: Job Maarse
Balance Engineer: Erdo Groot

Microphones: Neumann KM 130, DPA 4006 &DPA 4011 with Polyhymnia microphone buffer electronics.
Microphone pre-amps: Custom build by Polyhymnia International BV and outputs directly connected to Meitner DSD AD converter.
DSD recording, editing and mixing: Pyramix Virtual Studio by Merging Technologies

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Booklet for Taneyev: At the Reading of A Psalm, Op. 36, Cantata No. 2