Composer: Valentin Silvestrov
Works: Symphony No. 5 (1980-82), Exegi Monumentum (1985-87)
Performers: Sergej Jakovenko (baritone, Exegi only), Ural Philharmonic Orchestra, Yekaterinenburg, conducted by Andrej Borejko
Recording: Recorded in 1992 at Yekaterinburg Philharmonia, with the composer present for editing and remastering
Label: Megadisc Classics MDC 7836
Valentin Silvestrov’s Symphony No. 5 emerges as a contemplative yet vibrant work within the landscape of late 20th-century composition, embodying a unique synthesis of modernist techniques and lyrical expressiveness. Written between 1980 and 1982, it stands as a testament to the composer’s evolving style during a period marked by the political and cultural repression of the Soviet Union. Silvestrov’s music often reflects an introspective quality, and the Fifth Symphony, with its single expansive movement, invites listeners to experience a profound sense of time and space, reminiscent of the slow unfolding found in the works of contemporaries like Arvo Pärt and even echoes of Mahler’s emotional depth.
In this recording, Borejko and the Ural Philharmonic Orchestra delve into the symphony’s ethereal textures with an admirable sensitivity. The performance captures the essential qualities of Silvestrov’s voice, notably the seamless transition from atonal passages to the emergence of a noble brass theme. The initial moments of the symphony are suffused with a tense stillness, a palpable pause before the music erupts into a lush, almost rapturous theme that rises from the murmur of orchestral piano and low strings. This moment is particularly striking as it encapsulates the work’s ability to engender a sense of ecstatic abandon, a visceral experience that resonates deeply with the listener. Borejko’s interpretation strikes a balance between meditative pacing and the urgency of the thematic material, allowing the music to breathe while maintaining its forward momentum.
The recording quality is commendable, capturing the intricate details of the orchestration with clarity and warmth. The spatial awareness of the soundstage allows the woodwinds and brass to emerge distinctly against the lush textures of the string section. The engineering successfully conveys the music’s ethereal nature, particularly in passages where the orchestration thins, creating an almost transparent sound. This sonic clarity enhances the impression of a suspended time, akin to the shimmering surface of water disturbed by gentle ripples.
The coupling with Exegi Monumentum further enriches this disc, offering an additional layer of Silvestrov’s musical philosophy. The work, composed in the mid-1980s, continues the exploration of static qualities and expressive simplicity. The baritone soloist, Jakovenko, delivers a compelling performance, particularly during the trombone oration, which resonates with the dark gravitas reminiscent of Shostakovich’s last symphony. The integration of text, urging the listener toward an artistic truth amidst indifference, adds a profound dimension to the music, reinforcing its emotional weight.
Silvestrov’s Fifth Symphony stands as a notable contribution to the orchestral repertoire, distinguished by its ability to evoke a sense of otherworldliness while remaining grounded in human experience. This recording by Borejko and the Ural Philharmonic is not only a significant representation of Silvestrov’s artistic output but also an essential listening experience for anyone interested in the evolution of contemporary orchestral music. The combination of the Symphony with Exegi Monumentum creates a compelling narrative that showcases the composer’s distinctive voice, making this disc a vital inclusion for both enthusiasts of modern classical music and those exploring the interplay of tradition and innovation in symphonic form.
