Glazunov: Méditation for Cello & Guitar
Glazunov: Méditation for Violin & Guitar

Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936) was born in Saint Petersburg, the son of a wealthy publisher. He began studying piano at the age of nine and began composing at 11. The composer Balakirev, recognized Glazunov’s talent and brought his work to the attention of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who mentored him.  Glazunov also enjoyed international acclaim. He conducted the last of the Russian Historical Concerts in Paris on 17 May 1907, and received honorary Doctor of Music degrees from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

Glazunov’s Méditation in D major, Op 32, was composed in 1891, apparently as a simple lyric piece for salon or concert hall. It was a popular recital and encore piece in the early twentieth century. The piece is a tranquil and very beautiful melodic outpouring, based throughout on the romantic theme heard at the outset, with the soloist being accompanied with exquisite harmonic restraint.

These arrangements for cello and guitar as well as violin and guitar by Gregg Nestor preserve and enhance that delicate balance.