Fedoseyev, 91 marks 50 years at the Bolshoi
OrchestrasThe extraordinarily effective Vladimir Fedoseyev is to be awarded the Tchaikovsky Medal for his life’s achievements.
He will celebrate by conducting Beethoven’s ninth symphony at the Bolshoi, where he has been working for half a century.
Many regarded him as the world’s greatest ballet conductor, but he was formidable also in symphonic rep.
Dear Norman,
Slight correction – Fedoseyev is celebrating 50 years with the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra named after Tchaikovsky (Государственный Академический Большой Симфонический Оркестр им. П. И. Чайковского).
The concert to honour him and present him with the medal will take place in the Great Hall of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Большой Зал Консерватории).
Putting aside current feelings about Russia, they are a formidable group. I saw a number of terrific concerts with Fedoseyev and the “BSO” about 20 years ago.
I’ve never heard him in concert, so I’ll take your word that he’s effective. On record…ugh. His mauling of the Tchaikovsky Manfred is horrendous. The glacial tempos in the Glazunov symphonies ruins those splendid works. And that glaring trombone flub in a Caucasian Sketches recording (JVC)? Did he not hear it and didn’t care enough to have it corrected? I do have a lot of his recordings and there’s none that really stands out. What do readers recommend?
He is amazingly beloved conductor and person. The orchestra loves him. Congrats on 50 years. I do agree with you about the erratic conducting, but there are three fabulous Glazunov recordings that are top notch and memorable. The symphonies #1 & #5 and the “Suite from the Middle Ages”. Enjoy everyone!!
J Barcelo is a bit harsh, ok he’s not as consistent as Svetlanov or Gennady, but most of the time there’s something catchy in his readings
https://youtu.be/cECWCDhBHKE?feature=shared
If a conductor is great, he is able to inspire poetry in the musicians.
Fedoseyev does, as illustrated by this rather recent live concert.
Oh, how beautifully the orchestra sings, from the start.
Sviridov: “Snowstorm”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecjfAqPDXm4
Is he another Putin boot-licker?