Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Anissimov - Glazunov: Scènes de Ballet, Scène Dansante, The Seasons (1998)

Anissimov has recorded a large swath of Glazunov's orchestral music, all quite capably, too. He also recorded a nice cycle of Rachmaninov symphonies, of which No.1 was quite remarkable, especially with its inclusion of the rarely played Caprice Boheme. As a conductor, he's perfect for this repertoire, as he conducts with a light touch, bringing out the orchestral color (which the Russians excel at). He makes Glazunov seem fresh, bright, and balletic--perhaps a little unfair with the symphonies, which deserve a slightly firmer treatment (I prefer Otaka's cycle of Glazunov symphonies, or Jarvi's). However, Anissimiov makes the works sing, and in his balletic scores, you can't ask for much more. This disc with Glauznov's most famous work, The Seasons, is near ideal. Good tempo, color, and drive--though the sound could be a bit more vivid. Also nice to hear the rarely played Scenes de Ballet thrown in for good measure. You won't regret this purchase and it will make you think twice about relegating Glazunov to the "one-hit wonder" category. These scores, along with his 8 symphonies and numerous colorful orchestral works reveal a prominent minor master, heir to Rimsky's legacy, if not quite as masterful a symphonist as Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov.