Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago
Nicolaus Zwetnow (Nicolai Zwetnov), balalaika
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Kjell Ingebretsen, conductor
Eduard Tubin (1905-1982) was an Estonian composer and conductor, his country's most prolific and arguably greatest symphonist. For more on Tubin, see my score video of his eleventh symphony: youtube.com/watch?v=l-vYcU8buKo
In addition to the symphonies for which he is generally best known internationally, Tubin wrote two concerti, one for double bass (already posted on YouTube elsewhere) and this one for balalaika from 1964 - consisting of three movements played attacca. While incorporating the distinctive sound of the solo instrument, this concerto contains many typical examples of the composer's meticulous orchestration and clear motivic development. Tubin was also known to have a strong interest in folk music, incorporating numerous quotations and evocations of it into his orchestral works; perhaps another example is the 3+3+2 compound meter in the lively third movement.
This concerto was dedicated to Nicolaus Zwetnow, who premiered it in 1965 and plays on this recording with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic.
Nicolaus Zwetnow (Nicolai Zwetnov), balalaika
Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra
Kjell Ingebretsen, conductor
Eduard Tubin (1905-1982) was an Estonian composer and conductor, his country's most prolific and arguably greatest symphonist. For more on Tubin, see my score video of his eleventh symphony: youtube.com/watch?v=l-vYcU8buKo
In addition to the symphonies for which he is generally best known internationally, Tubin wrote two concerti, one for double bass (already posted on YouTube elsewhere) and this one for balalaika from 1964 - consisting of three movements played attacca. While incorporating the distinctive sound of the solo instrument, this concerto contains many typical examples of the composer's meticulous orchestration and clear motivic development. Tubin was also known to have a strong interest in folk music, incorporating numerous quotations and evocations of it into his orchestral works; perhaps another example is the 3+3+2 compound meter in the lively third movement.
This concerto was dedicated to Nicolaus Zwetnow, who premiered it in 1965 and plays on this recording with the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic.
