Taneyev Cantata : Ioann Damaskin (Nikolai Golovanov)

Nikolai Golovanov (1891 -1953), was a Soviet conductor and composer.

He conducted the premiere performances of a number of works, among them Nikolai Myaskovsky's sixth symphony in May 1924, and recorded operas and concert works by Glazunov, Mussorgsky and Liszt among others. Golovanov held some of the highest musical positions in the USSR, including an extensive association with the Bolshoi Opera.

He was also a composer; his works include the opera "Princess Yurata", symphonies, two symphonic poems, orchestral suites, overtures on Russian themes, over 200 Romances, arrangements of folk songs, and a number of choral religious works.

Golovanov was a well-regarded piano accompanist in the early years of his career.

Sergei Taneyev (1856 - 1915)

Ioann Damaskin (St. John of Damascus), 1883-4
Cantata to the lyrics by A.K.Tolstoy, op.1
(also known as "A Russian Requiem")

Nikolai Golovanov, conductor
USSR Radio Chorus and Large Symphony Orchestra
Recorded in 1947

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[IVANKOVALE]

I would say, he was a great conductor. Probably he was the greatest interpreter of many Russian treasures: operas by Borodin, Musorgsky, Rimsky Korsakov etc, and also in this unique work. Kirill Kondrashin devoted to Golovanov special chapter in his very interesting memoirs (collected and edited by V.G. Razhnikov)

[stephenluttmann]

Curious that the instrumental introduction is repeated. Transcription error?