Antonina Levina - Miracles of Harmony (2020)

The name of Anton Arensky is known almost exclusively to musicians and in artistic and cultured circles in Russia. The oblivion to which this genius was sent for more than a century might be partly explained by “a curse” of his teacher in composition – Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Indeed, a meticulous, orderly Rimsky-Korsakov was feeling bitter and angry at his constantly partying, lacking any discipline pupil, so, after his death, he wrote: “In his youth Arensky did not escape some influence from me; later the influence came from Tchaikovsky. He will quickly be forgotten.”

The release of this album, however, is one of events that will serve to lift that curse. The true reason Arensky’s music was not in demand until now is neither in the curse, nor in stylistic characteristics and even quality of his music, in my opinion. It just did not resonate with listeners at the time. And, to my bold belief, it will now, especially his romances.

Tchaikovsky was, actually, a better visionary regarding his young colleague and friend, praising his “composer’s temper” and highly appreciating Arensky’s creativity. The two composers were good friends, their remaining letters to each other serve as a proof of a great mutual sympathy, respect and trust. Serguei Rachmaninov, in turn, was a student of Anton Arensky (class of free composition) and finished conservatory with a golden medal. Many musicologists find that Arensky influenced his student a lot, and Rachmaninov’s genius blossomed under his guidance.