David Dalle
Thursday July 28th, 2022 with David Dalle
Ukrainian symphonic cycle. The symphonies of Boris Lyatoshynsky. Cellists at the Chamberfest.

Today we begin a symphonic cycle with the symphonies of Ukrainian composer Boris Lyatoshynsky. At this time, when Ukraine is suffering from Putin's horrifying war of imperial aggression, it is crucial to treasure Ukrainian culture and history. Putin's intention is genocidal. Besides murdering thousands of Ukrainians, he is striving to erase Ukrainian language, culture, and history. Boris Lyatoshynsky was born in central Ukraine in 1895 and he graduated from the newly founded Kyiv Conservatory in 1918, studying composition with Reinhold Glière. Lyatoshynsky had a successful career as composer and teacher, starting as an instructor and later full professor of composition at the Kiev Conservatory. He led the Ukrainian Society of Contemporary Music. His earlier works were heavily influenced by Scriabin, while his mature works incorporated Ukrainian themes. His works often fell afoul of the Soviet musical authorities. His 2nd symphony was completed in 1935, but, due to official criticism, did not receive its premiere until 1964. This work was singled out after the 1948 "Against Formalistic Tendencies in Soviet Music", which censured Shostakovich, Prokofiev, as well as Lyatoshynsky. Lyatoshynsky's music continued to be accused of formalism, decadence, aggression, sadism, and cacophony by Soviet authorities until the late 50's. However, his music was always enthusiastically received by audiences, particularly in Ukraine. Lyatoshynsky composed five symphonies and today we will hear his first symphony. His first was started in 1917 while he was a student at the Kiev Conservatory and completed in 1919 after he graduated. It was premiered in 1923, conducted by Glière. The symphony is in three movements and is full of sound with sharp angular rhythmic and melodic themes, dense brass textures, and contrasted by delicate and subtle polyphony in the woodwinds. There is so much going on in this youthful work! All five symphonies we will hear are performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine conducted by American-Ukrainian Theodore Kuchar.