The fact that Glinka could propagate a national-Russian style with his operas that was recognized as such outside of Russia was made possible by a number of eighteenth-century composers who had introduced contemporary Western music, at least in the main Russian cities. One of the key figures in this development was Dmitri Bortnyansky (1751-1825). Thanks to royal support, he had been able to study
… in Italy with Galuppi for a number of years, and thus thoroughly immerse himself in the current Italian style. In 1779 he returned to Russia where, gradually ascending in the hierarchy, he would hold various musical positions. A selection of Bortnyansky's instrumental music can be heard on this CD. Almost all the pieces included here were written for Bortnyansky ' s royal employers, of whom Catherine the Great was the most important. Without exception, it is Italian music through and through in style; precisely because of this Russia was able to find a connection with European music. Thus the importance of this music is partly more in its historical circumstances than in its 'purely' musical qualities, which does not detract from Bortnyansky's craftsmanship. He wrote music that distinguishes itself in a positive sense in its verve and panache. (JvG) which does not detract from Bortnyansky's craftsmanship. He wrote music that distinguishes itself in a positive sense in its verve and panache. (JvG) which does not detract from Bortnyansky's craftsmanship. He wrote music that distinguishes itself in a positive sense in its verve and panache. (JvG)more
