I listened to Nikola Atanasov's Symphony No.1 for the first time the other day and loved it immediately, and have listed to it all the way through several times since. A very light (without being shallow) and melodic symphony in four movements. Not what I expect from a composer from that part of Europe, where the colours are often so dark. Much more in the vein of Smetana writing about Vltava I thought, plus occasional bits of Schumann, and music that could be Tchaikovsky ballet at the end of the second movement. It's on youtube, and I can't see that it's commercially available (Amazon search). It's from a Bulgaroton recording, as far as I know Bulgaroton no longer exists.
Nikola Atanasov (Bulgaria, 1886-1969)
I. Allegro maestoso -
II. Andante -
III. Allegro -
IV. Moderato -
Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Vladi Simeonov
If anyone's interested I've made an mp3 rip and put in the Downloads section.
https://musicforeveryone.createaforum.com/downloads/nikola-atanasov-(1886-1969-bulgaria)-symphony-no-1/From the website of the Union of Bulgarian Composers:
http://ubc-bg.com/en/composer/238Nikola Atanassov belongs to the first generation of Bulgarian composers. He composed the first Bulgarian symphony (1912), inspired by the classical symphony form, as well as the first Bulgarian sonata for piano (1911). He graduated form the Conservatory of Zagreb where he studied under Professor F. Dugan, V. Ruzic, K. Yunek and V. Humel (1906–12). He taught music in Stara Zagora (1912–22), Pleven (1915) and Sofia (1922–24). In 1923 he joined the staff of the State Academy of Music as lecturer in music theory subjects and later became Professor (1929–58). He was Rector of the State Academy of Music (1934–37).
The orchestral music predominates in his work. He composed three symphonies; two overtures and the music picture Chieftain Doychin; overture for mandolin orchestra and other pieces including five Bulgarian folksong medleys; three suites; three waltzes; Rachenitza; Arabesque; Intermezzo; chamber works; choral music; solo songs, etc. He also made over 500 arrangements and orchestrations of overtures, hymns, solo songs by other authors, etc. His Symphony No.1 and the Trio for violin, violoncello and piano are among his most popular works. Does anyone know if any other of Nikola Atanasov's music is recorded? This symphony is so good, I want to know more about him. (He is not to be confused with Georgi Atanassov (1882-1931), also Bulgarian.)