Symphony in D minor "On Two Russian Themes" - Mikhail Glinka / Vissarion Shebalin

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vassily Sinaisky

I - Andante - Allegro: 0:00

Glinka's Symphony in D minor was started in 1833, while he was studying in Berlin. Like the previous one (the Symphony in B flat major), it was abandoned. Glinka composed a single movement without actually finishing it. It would take a century before the Soviet composer and musicologist Vissarion Shebalin ended the movement in 1937, trying to carefully observe the author's style. The symphony was finally published in 1948.

The work reflects Glinka's change of perspective after his stay in Italy, incorporating Russian folkloric materials into a symphony for the first time. The work is structured in a modified sonata form. It begins with firm but serious chords from the strings. The first Russian theme is nostalgic and melancholic, introduced by the wood and exposed by the cello. In contrast, the second theme is cheerful and lively, presented in a fresh Mozartian way.

The development, based on the alternation of the two themes, begins with a series of wood solos, returning to the material of the main theme. Despite not being perfect, a possible cause for the interruption of the work, its instrumentation is brilliant, enhancing the melodic lines. A short fugue section based on the second theme stands out. We don't find the usual recapitulation, instead the vibrant second theme leads us to a decided coda.

Picture: "Gopak" (1927) by the Ukrainian-Russian painter Ilya Repin.

Introduction and musical analysis written by myself. Published originally in spanish in this article: https://bit.ly/3tcc96H

Видео Symphony in D minor "On Two Russian Themes" - Mikhail Glinka / Vissarion Shebalin канала Sergio Cánovas