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Donald Macleod is joined by Russian music expert Gerard McBurney to explore Gliere's life and work, from his beginnings in Kiev to his later prominent position in Moscow as both composer and teacher.

The focus is on the early part of Gliere's life in Kiev, including a look at his elusive ancestry, his formative musical years and his studies at the Moscow Conservatory. We hear part of one of his earliest works, his String Quartet No 1, Op 2, which is in complete contrast to his Russian Sailors Dance from the ballet The Red Poppy, which was not only the first truly Soviet work composed for the stage, but one which brought Gliere national popularity.

Donald also discusses the Concerto for harp and orchestra, composed during the dark build-up to the Second World War, yet offering a sunny and positive outlook.

Russian Sailors' Dance (The Red Poppy Op 70)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Stanley Black (conductor)
Decca 444107-2, Tr 3

String Quartet No 1 in A, Op 2 (Allegro)
Pulzus String Quartet
Hungaroton HCD32401, Tr 1

Intermezzo, Op 9 No 1
Hans Roelofsen (double bass)
Edwin van den Berg (piano)
Ottavo OTR C69865, Tr 9

Concerto for harp and orchestra, Op 74
Rachel Masters (harp)
City of London Sinfonia
Richard Hickox (conductor)
Chandos CHAN9094, Trs 1-3

Symphony No 1 in E flat, Op 8 (Finale - Allegro)
Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Stephen Gunzenhauser (conductor)
Naxos 8.550898, Tr 4.