The Portland Youth Philharmonic debuts two new symphonies by acclaimed contemporary composers Lera Auerbach and Polina Nazaykinskaya on First Symphonies, released by Navona Records...

Nazaykinskaya’s first symphony, April Song, exposes the tenacity of the human spirit, rich winter melodies blooming into the rumblings of a welcome spring storm as the overarching narrative depicts a triumphant rise from the ashes, defining the human experience. Defining and redefining is likewise no stranger to Auerbach, who encompasses both of these in Chimera, a symphony echoing themes and particularly adored motifs from her ballet The Little Mermaid. Chimera is a complex grafting of one idea onto the next, inspirations from Greek mythologies imposed onto a distinctly transformative sound. “Redefines” falls short of proper description. Auerbach reinvents, readjusts, rebuilds, and renews an entirely new musical existence.

These two symphonies, whist being different in tone, beautifully compliment one another.

As an aside, I couldn't help being reminded of John Williams' score for Star Wars: A New Hope, whilst listening to a section of 'Chimera III. Gorgoyles'. And 'Symphony No. 1 April Song II. Grave' was also reminiscent of Williams' score for Saving Private Ryan.

The performances by Portland Youth Philharmonic really bring these works vividly to life.

Track listing:

Lera Auerbach
01. Symphony No. 1, “Chimera” I. Aegri somnia (4:14)
02. Symphony No. 1, “Chimera” II. Post tenebras lux (3:40)
03. Symphony No. 1, “Chimera” III. Gorgoyles (7:19)
04. Symphony No. 1, “Chimera” IV. Et in Arcadia ego (3:31)
05. Symphony No. 1, “Chimera” V. Siste, viator (5:25)
06. Symphony No. 1, “Chimera” VI. Humum mandere (3:14)
07. Symphony No. 1, “Chimera” VII. Requiem for Icarus (8:43)

Polina Nazaykinskaya
08. Symphony No. 1 “April Song” I. Presto (9:27)
09. Symphony No. 1 “April Song” II. Grave (7:09)
10. Symphony No. 1 “April Song” III. Moderato (5:10)
11. Symphony No. 1 “April Song” IV. Con Brio (5:05)

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Darren Rea