Alexander Glazunov
(1865 - 1936)
Symphony no. 1
(1882)
Glazunov burst on to the international music scene with the completion of his Symphony no. 1 at the age of 16 years! This youthful prodigy must rank with Mendelssohn, Mozart, Prokofiev, and Shostakovich (who was an old man of 19 when his Symphony no. 1 was premiered!) in terms of sheer, innate genius and the ability to absorb the musical influences that formed his style.
The premiere of his Symphony no. 1 took place in St. Petersburg. The audience reacted with enthusiasm, but its surprise was even greater when a young man in a school uniform stepped up to the podium and took a bow. As you listen to this example, try to figure out which composers had the greatest influence on the young Glazunov.
Tchaikovsy's music had a great influence on Glazunov.