Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5, Op. 64/Capriccio Italien, Op. 45

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Gennady Rozhdestvensky (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Gennady Rozhdestvensky
• Composer: Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
• Audio CD (September 2, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Carlton Classics
• ASIN: B000000TGA
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,543,600 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64: 1. Andante - Allegro con anima

2. Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64: 2. Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza

3. Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64: 3. Valse: Allegro moderato

4. Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64: 4. Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace

5. Capriccio Italien, for orchestra (or piano, 4 hands), Op. 45

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Two worlds mesh--raw Russian emotion and cool English polish, July 12, 2006

By 

Santa Fe Listener (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5, Op. 64/Capriccio Italien, Op. 45 (Audio CD)

As with other entries in the LSO Live catalog, the same performance of the Tchaikovsky Fifth udner Gennadi Rozhdestvensky appears on four labels--this is an earlier incarnation from Carlton Classics. In all these recordings one expects the aura of a live concert as well as excellent sonics. Since there are dozens of versions to choose from for the Fifth, what makes this one stand out?

A lot depends on where you're coming from. Rozhdestvensky doesn't exert the supreme control of a Szell or Karajan. He lacks the genius and intensity of Mravinsky. In fact, this generally excellent conductor can be a bit faceless, as he is here. This is a straightforward Fifth palyed very well without any eccentricities. Tempos are normal, and the prevailing temperature is a bit cool after an exciting first movement. I think this CD, and its duplicates, will appeal to listeners who want the polish of the LSO with a touch of Russian rawness. In that regard it's a satisfying listen.