Sergei Taneyev’s music was acclaimed by some as a ‘model of pure style and sublime art’, but he was a loner whose supreme mastery of European Classical technique placed him outside the more nationalist trends of the day. The Violin Sonata in A minor is neo-Classical in its reserved and often song-like moods and expressions. It contrasts with the grand scale of the Piano Quintet in G minor in which the virtuoso nature of the piano writing reflects Taneyev’s own prowess, and the brilliant integration of the works’ themes cumulate into an overwhelming conclusion.

This recording joins a previous release from Spectrum Concerts Berlin with Sergei Taneyev’s String Trio, op.31, and Piano Quartet, op.20, on Naxos 8574367. This was much admired by critics such as John Dutterer of the American Record Guide, who declared that the ‘three members of the Spectrum Concerts play like a veteran trio here, and unlike most trios they have an artistic director, Frank Dodge, shaping the interpretations. As a result, this feels like a significant release rather than a side project.’

Some of Taneyev’s chamber works remained in the repertoire of Russian artists from the Soviet era such as David Oistrakh, Maria Yudina and the Moscow Beethoven Quartet but his music became largely neglected after his death. The Naxos label has played a significant role in reviving awareness of Taneyev’s brilliance as a composer in recent decades with numerous releases including complete editions of his string quartets and symphonies. Other labels have some titles in their catalogues, but we are clear market leaders for this composer.

Spectrum Concerts Berlin:
- Eldar Nebolsin (piano)
- Boris Brovtsyn (violn)
- Mohamed Hiber (violin)
- Gareth Lubbe (viola)
- Alexey Stadler (cello)
Frank S. Dodge (artistic director)