Jānis Ivanovs: Symphony No. 9 in A minor

Jānis Ivanovs: Symphony No. 9 in A minor (1960) I. Andante - Allegro II. Allegro 11:46 III. Andante 15:20 IV. Allegro moderato 26:46 Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra Edgars Tons, conductor Jānis Ivanovs (9 October 1906 in Babri, Preiļi -- 27 March 1983 in Riga) was a Soviet Latvian classical music composer. In 1931, he graduated from the Latvian State Conservatory in Riga. In 1944, he joined the conservatory’s faculty, becoming a full professor in 1955. He is regarded as being the most distinguished Latvian symphonist. His love of melody is evident in each of his compositions, and forms the essence of his works. He often drew inspiration from the native songs of the Latgale district in eastern Latvia. His grasp of orchestral color and musical texture were highly regarded by his colleagues. The Latvian composer and music critic, Margers Zarins, described Ivanovs’ symphonies as “like ancient Greek tragedies, filled with ecstasy and purificat