Between 1994 and 2004, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine made over 80 recordings for Naxos and Marco Polo, including complete symphonies by Kalinnikov, Lyatoshynsky, Martinů, and Prokofiev.
Composer Biography
Boris Lyatoshynsky, the composer on this album, is honored as the father of contemporary Ukrainian music.
Historical Context
The 'golden age of cultural freedom' in Ukraine ended abruptly in the late 1920s with Stalin's rise, leading to repression of Ukrainian national music and censorship.
Performer Biography
Theodore Kuchar, one of the conductors on this album, has appeared on over a hundred recordings for labels including Naxos, Brilliant Classics, Ondine, and Marco Polo.
Performer Biography
The National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, featured on this album, was formed in November 1918 by the Ukraine Council of Ministers.
Performer Biography
Theodore Kuchar has served as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for the Janáček Philharmonic Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Lyatoshynsky's later works, including those on this album, combine Ukrainian folk-songs and melodies with contemporary harmonic and formal approaches, drawing on research by ethnomusicologist Mykola Lysenko.
