Scherchen conducts Glière - Symphony No. 3 "Ilya Muromets", Op. 42 (1911)

Symphony No. 3 in B minor, Op. 42 "Ilya Muromets" (1911) Tableau I: Wandering Pilgrims - Ilya Muromets and Svyagotor [0:00] Tableau II: Solovey (Nightingale) the Brigand [23:26] Tableau III: Festival in the Palace of Vladimir the Mighty Sun [45:44] Tableau IV: Prowess and Petrification of Ilya Muromets [52:51] This is a 1952 recording by the German conductor Hermann Scherchen (1891-1966) and Wiener Staatsopernorchester (Vienna State Opera Orchestra) of the extravagant third symphony by the Russian composer Reinhold Moritzevich Glière (1875-1956). Dedicated to Alexander Glazunov, this symphony depicts the tale of the Slavic epic hero Ilya Muromets, and it won the composer a Glinka Prize after its premiere in 1912. Each of the four tableaux depicts an episode from the legend of Ilya Muromets, the greatest of the Russian bogatyrs (hero-knights). The first movement opens with a slowly mounting introduction leading to a horn call, as the bogatyr springs to life. Ilya rides off in search of the mighty hero Svyatogor, who is renowned for his bravery. He finds Svyatogor, and together, they undertake a difficult adventure. Eventually, they reach a coffin, which the impulsive Svyatogor enters; the hero cannot find a way to escape, and dies. However, the great powers of Svyatogor are transferred to Ilya upon his death. In the beautifully evocative second movement, Ilya galops through the forest at night towards Kiev. In these woods, however, lives the notorious bandit Solovey (Russian for "nightingale"). The robber hears Ilya approaching and sends his three stunningly beautiful daughters to tempt the bogatyr. At first, Ilya succumbs to the three alluring maidens and savours the riches and embraces they offer him. In the end, Ilya realizes the grave danger they really pose, and lets fly an arrow that wounds Solovey. He captures the infamous outlaw and carries him back to the palace of Prince Vladimir in Kiev. The third tableau is set in this palace, where the prince's court is feasting. Ilya enters carrying the bound Solovey, whom he commands to whistle. The bandit's magic whistling causes the entire palace to sway and numerous bogatyrs to fall over. Ilya brings an end to this uproar by beheading Solovey. The court responds with raucous praise and celebration, as Vladimir rewards Ilya by making him a knight. The fourth and final tableau depicts two ferocious battles, in which Ilya fights the Tartars and Batygha the Wicked. Miraculous wonders take place over the course of the bloody contest, and eventually, one by one, Ilya and his bogatyr companions are turned to stone. His companions and friends freeze in their tracks, never to move again. As Ilya himself begins to feel his muscles clench and strength flow away, he recalls all the adventures he had in the previous tableaux. The mighty hero is the last to become completely petrified. This cataclysmic battle marks the end of the age of Russian bogatyrs. Conductor: Hermann Scherchen Wiener Staatsopernorchester Recorded in 1952