Alexander Glazunov (1865 -1936) was an exponent of the late Russian Romantic period, music teacher and conductor. He served as director of the Saint Petersburg Conservatory between 1905 and 1928 and was also instrumental in the reorganization of the institute into the Petrograd Conservatory, then the Leningrad Conservatory, following the Bolshevik Revolution. Glazunov was significant in successfully reconciling nationalism and cosmopolitanism in Russian music. While he was the direct successor to Balakirev's nationalism, he tended more towards Borodin's epic grandeur while absorbing a number of other influences. These included Rimsky- Korsakov's orchestral virtuosity, Tchaikovsky's lyricism and Taneyev's contrapuntal skill.

The present set with all eight symphonies by Alexander Glazunov – recorded between 1974 and 1982 – is a first-ever release on CD. Vladimir Fedoseyev conducts the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra. During more than 35 years as artistic director and chief conductor of the Orchestra, he formed a special melodic emotional “handwriting” of the Orchestra which made it recognizable among other orchestras and brought them world fame. The interpretations of Fedosseyev are known for their depth, sincere artistic character and unusual emotional intensity.

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Rec.date: 1974-1982 (live)