Symphony No. 2 "Ocean" (1995)

"Golovchin and his Russian players make committed advocates for this substantial work which I see as the interaction between the human spirit and the character of the all-powerful sea. Adopting an unyielding structural control Golovchin brings impressive warmth and intensity without ever letting the flow wilt or labour. I admit surprise that the contrasts in the score are not as broad as I expected. The opening Allegro maestoso is essentially upbeat, cheerful and agreeable. At times I was reminded of the music of early Tchaikovsky, a former pupil of Rubinstein. Marked Adagio non tanto in the slow movement there is little to unsettle the prevailing mood of warm reflection. A distinctly valiant feel inhabits the Scherzo and the heroic Finale with its slight valedictory undercurrent concludes on a jubilant note." (Musicweb)