Alexander Glazunov

Symphony No. 1 in E op. 5

Symphony No. 1 in E major, Op. 5 ("Slavonic") was composed in 1880-1882 by Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) when the composer was only sixteen years old, making it one of the most remarkable orchestral debuts of the late Romantic era. Written under the guidance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov and strongly supported by the nationalist circle known as "The Mighty Handful," the symphony is influenced by Russian and broader Slavic musical traditions through its folk-like melodies. The work premiered on March 29, 1882, in St. Petersburg under the direction of Mily Balakirev and caused a sensation, firmly establishing Glazunov as a prodigy and major new voice in Russian music. Although the subtitle "Slavonic" was not Glazunov's own, it reflects the work's nationalistic flavor. The Symphony No. 1 remains an admired early achievement within the late-Romantic repertoire. Instrumentation: 2.2.2.2: 4.2.3.0: Timp.Perc(2): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.