Album insights
The longing for one's homeland is a deeply painful feeling, known only to those forcibly separated from their native soil. This sentiment can often affect artists like writers and composers most intensely, as they seek to return to their roots for inspiration and rejuvenation.
Sergei Bortkiewicz, the composer, expressed this sentiment in 1936 in the final chapter of his autobiography "Memories." While Vienna was to remain his "second home," Bortkiewicz, like Rachmaninov, Liapunov, and Prokofiev, yearned to return to his homeland, Ukraine, which had deeply inspired him. His Ukrainian roots permeated his music with passion and melodic expression, particularly evident in his First Symphony bearing the subtitle "From My Homeland."
Born on February 28, 1877, in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, Sergei Eduardovich Bortkiewicz's musical upbringing paralleled that of many of his Russian contemporaries. His mother, a talented pianist, co-founded the music school in Kharkiv, where he first began his music education under Albert Bensch. Influenced by Anton Rubinstein and Tchaikovsky, Bortkiewicz's early years were shaped by their enduring impact on the aspiring composer.
At the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1896, Bortkiewicz focused on his piano studies under instructors such as Karl van Arek and Anatol Liadov. Despite his success in other fields, such as law studies, he turned his attention back to music and embarked on a composition journey that would set the stage for his prolific career.
Moving to Germany to further his studies in 1900, Bortkiewicz enrolled at the Leipzig Conservatory under Salomon Jadassohn and Alfred Reisenhauer. Although his career as a virtuoso pianist did not reach the heights he had hoped for, his compositions garnered success throughout Europe, with performances and publications marking significant milestones in his musical journey.
Throughout his turbulent life, marked by wars and revolutions, Bortkiewicz's dedication to his art never wavered. His compositions, including his renowned symphonies and operas, reflected a blend of Slavic influences and European musical traditions, cementing his place in the annals of classical music history.
Despite enduring hardships during the Second World War, Bortkiewicz's music continued to resonate with audiences, offering solace and inspiration in times of adversity. His legacy as a composer lives on, immortalized through his enchanting melodies and profound musical expressions.
Malcolm Henbury-Ballan © 2002