Glinka’s overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila is one of the few works that you can judge simply by looking at the timing. Since the music consists largely of wildly rushing string scales, speed is everything, and any version lasting longer than 5:05 won’t be worth listening to. Mravinsky, Ancerl, Solti, and Svetlanov all bring the piece in under that limit, and Sinaisky’s right on the cusp, an observation that applies overall to this generally decent recital. There isn’t very much substance to Glinka’s orchestral music: the best pieces (aside from the opera overtures, the two Spanish Overtures, and Kamarinskaya) rely on color and brilliance to make the best impression. These well-drilled performances offer pleasant listening but lack the requisite sparkle, enthusiasm, and sheer vulgarity that bring this music to life. Part of the problem stems from a recording that places the brass and percussion too far back on the sound-stage; but in the final analysis, it’s the conductor and orchestra who fail to rise above mere professionalism (albeit of a high standard) to communicate genuine affection. Still, there isn’t lot of choice for this music. If you can find Svetlanov’s Melodiya twofer, that’s the way to go. If not, this will do in a pinch.
