Symphony June book.indd - Music - University of California, Irvine

Symphony No. 1 in G minor
Vasily Kalinnikov’s name is not readily recognized by the average concert goer, but his
importance in the annals of pre-revolutionary Russian music is undeniable. Kalinnikov
did not live a very long life, having been stricken by a very rare disease which took the
composer’s life before the age of 35.
After graduating from the Moscow Philharmonic Music School in 1895, Kalinnikov
produced his first Symphony, in G minor, a work the composer hoped would bring him
some recognition. After a disappointing review by Rimsky-Korsakov, the work was finally
premiered at a concert of the Russian Music Society in 1987, with Alexander Vinogradsky as
conductor. This performance was a success, with the second and third movements encored.
The first movement of the symphony is the longest and offers two lyric themes
somewhat indicative of Russian song life. The second movement opens with harp and
violins setting a gentle, rocking pizzicato foundation for a poetic English Horn solo. After the
Scherzo and Trio of the third movement, a movement possessing its own charm, the work
proceeds to the Finalé where the composer re-introduces and further explores thematic
material from the earlier movements. The climax of the work is presented through the
trombones’ enthusiastic representation of the formerly serene English Horn tune of the
second movement, bringing the work to a joyful end.
The symphony is scored for: 2 flutes, 2 oboes (1 doubling on English horn), 2
clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, harp, timpani, triangle, and
strings, and is approximately 40 minutes long.
— Dr. Stephen Tucker