Arvo Volmer’s estimable cycle of Tubin symphonies continues to serve as a valid and enjoyable alternative to Neeme Järvi’s reference edition on BIS, and in some works (especially Symphony No. 4) it’s actually preferable. This isn’t true of Symphony No. 1, where Järvi’s swifter tempos (especially in the finale) hold the work together better and make a more convincing case for its inconsistent formal mastery and melodic inspiration. It’s an enjoyable work, important in the history of the symphony in Estonia, but great Tubin it is not. Volmer and his orchestra need to put over the climaxes with a bit more conviction, and a little extra “oomph” from the percussion also would have helped.
The Eighth Symphony, on the other hand, is one of Tubin’s greatest (if darkest) works, and in this case Volmer has a slight edge over Järvi on two accounts. First, he makes more of the gaunt finale, encouraging the strings to play with special eloquence. Second, he balances the ensemble more clearly (aided by the same very natural sonics that count against him in the First Symphony), and this gives more musical point to the eruptive climaxes in the middle movements (on the other hand, Järvi’s “cosmic” tam-tam and raw energy remains a remarkable experience in its own right). In the final analysis, both performances are excellent, but this one offers a true alternative view and I can certainly imagine some listeners preferring Volmer. It’s your call, and the bottom line is that you won’t be disappointed either way.
