SERGEI LYAPUNOV (1859-1924): Symphony No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 12, Violin Concerto in D Minor, Op. 61.

Description: Lyapunov's models were Balakirev and Borodin so it comes as no surprise that his first symphony (1887) should sound like a Borodin Symphony No. 2-and-a-half, using a similar four-note motif which opens the first movement and provides thematic material throughout this and the final movement. In between are a slow movement which opens with a lovely string melody and a rather balletic scherzo. The single-movement, 23-minute concerto (1915, rev. 1921) is in the vein of Borodin as well although one might also think of Glazunov; richly romantic with all the virtuosity the genre demands. Maxim Fedotov (violin), Russian Philharmonic Orchestra; Dmitry Yablonsky.