Maslenitsa Overture
by Airat Ichmouratov
Maslenitsa Overture Op.36 by Airat Ichmouratov (front page)
Opus	36
Composed	2012–2013
Dedication	Jacques Clément & l'Orchestre symphonique du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean
Recorded	Chandos Records – CHAN 20172 (June 2020)
Duration	11 minutes
Premiere
Date	24 February 2013
Location	Théâtre C de Chicoutimi
Conductor	Jacques Clément
Performers	l'Orchestre symphonique du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean

The Overture Maslenitsa, Op. 36, was composed by Airat Ichmouratov during the years of 2012 and 2013. It was commissioned and premiered in Chicoutimi, Canada on 24 February 2013 by L'Orchestre Symphonique du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean under the baton of French-Canadian conductor Jacques Clément.^[1][2]

The Overture comprises several sections which could be divided into two larger parts. A typical performance lasts somewhat around 11 minutes.

This symphony is scored for the following orchestra (percussion, performed by 3 players):^[3]

• 2 flutes (second doubling piccolo)
• 2 oboes
• 2 clarinets in B♭
• 2 bassoons
• 4 horns in F
• 2 trumpets in B♭
• 3 trombones: tenor, bass
• Tuba
• Timpani
• Triangle
• Cymbals
• Bass drum
• Tam tam
• Glockenspiel
• Tubular bells
• Strings

• Chandos Records: CHAN 20172 – Ichmouratov; Overtures/Symphony; Orchestre de la Francophonie; Jean-Philippe Tremblay, conductor^[4]

The recording of the Maslenitsa Overture gained average-to-positive reviews. David Nice of BBC Music Magazine wrote: "The ‘Maslenitsa’ Overture, celebrating the Russian shrovetide festival, is all generic stuff".^[5] Guy Rickards of Gramophone wrote: "A vibrantly orchestrated homage to Glinka and Mussorgsky".^[6] Colin Clarke of Classical Explorer wrote: "Maslenitsa Overture, a colourful musical picture of the week before Lent".^[7]

• Airat Ichmouratov – composer, official website
• Complete recording of the Overture Maslenitsa Op.36 by Orchestre de la Francophonie – Release Date: 2 June 2020