Tchaikovsky : Symphony 1,2 and 3

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Anton Arensky (Composer), Antal Dorati (Conductor), Philharmonia Hungarica (Performer), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Philharmonia Hungarica
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Antal Dorati
• Composer: Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Anton Arensky
• Audio CD (October 14, 1997)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B0000041JT
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,019 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op 13, (Winter Dreams): I. Allegro Tranquillo

2. Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op 13, (Winter Dreams): II. Adagio Cantabile Ma Non Tanto

3. Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op 13, (Winter Dreams): III. Scherzo. Allegro Scherzando Giocoso

4. Symphony No. 1 In G Minor, Op 13, (Winter Dreams): IV. Finale. Andante Lugubre - Allegro Maestoso

5. Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 (Little Russian): I. Andante Sostenuto. Allegro Vivo

6. Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 (Little Russian): II. Andantino Marziale, Quasi Moderato

7. Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 (Little Russian): III. Scherzo. Allegro Molto Vivace

8. Symphony No. 2 In C Minor, Op. 17 (Little Russian): IV. Finale. Moderato Assai

Disc: 2

1. Symphony No. 3 In D Major, Op. 29 (Polish): I. Introduzione E Allegro

2. Symphony No. 3 In D Major, Op. 29 (Polish): II. Alla Tedesca. Allegro Moderato E Semplice

3. Symphony No. 3 In D Major, Op. 29 (Polish): III. Andante Elegiaco

4. Symphony No. 3 In D Major, Op. 29 (Polish): IV. Scherzo. Allegro Vivo

5. Symphony No. 3 In D Major, Op. 29 (Polish): V. Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco

6. Variations On A Theme By Tchaikovsky, Op. 35A

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The very best young Tchaikovsky ever!, December 2, 2000

By 

TchaikJP "tchaikjp" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchaikovsky : Symphony 1,2 and 3 (Audio CD)

Tchaikovsky was always Tchaikovsky. He wasn't a horrible composer that one day wrote a 4th symphony and 1812 overture that matured him into a raging, popular, great composer. On the contrary, Tchaikovksy's love for melodies, his intricate orchestrations and wide array of colors, moods, expression, and drama (less extreme drama in these cases) all were apparent from the begging. These symphonies are just as good as the last three, only neglected for there simplicity, naturally easy charm, and "contemptable Fluidity" (is that a BAD thing??). The person who can really enjoy these is the person who really appreciates Tchaikovsky. Also, Dorati handles the music well giving the spark of bubbling young blood that Tchaikovsky wrote with, and adding precision, life, vivaciousness to the music as Tchaikovsky intended and as most conductors don't understand enough to do. This is worth the money- Mercury/Dorati/Tchaikovsky- can't go wrong with that combination.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great symphonies and recording, November 15, 2006

By 

D. Bennett (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tchaikovsky : Symphony 1,2 and 3 (Audio CD)

As an audio nut, I was a little concerned ordering a recording made before I was born. Yes, there is a significant amount of tape hiss (by today's standards). Yes, there is some high frequency roll off. BUT the overall tone of this CD is VERY WARM and VERY MUSICAL! Digital is great, but analog often is better in some things and this older recording shines!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best #2 and #3 to be had on CD today, September 16, 2007

By 

Classic Music Lover (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchaikovsky : Symphony 1,2 and 3 (Audio CD)

Like the other reviewers here, it's pretty clear that once you come to know the early Tchaikovsky symphonies, you'll realize they offer rich musical rewards like you'll find in the more famous #4, 5 and 6. It was Igor Stravinsky and Albert Coates who reintroduced western audiences to #2 (Little Russian) and #3 (Polish). IMHO, Antal Dorati delivers the finest performances on CD of both works -- and I've sampled 'em all. I just love the way Dorati treats the #3 almost as a "symphony-ballet", emphasizing the dance and rhythmic elements of this composition. And in #2, the passion of the first movement gives us glimpses of what T. would write later in Nos. 4-6. Dorati takes things at a more deliberate pace -- not the wild tempo variations of many other conductors who seem to be trying to make some sort of "statement."

To me, the first symphony (Winter Reveries) is the weakest of the entire symphony cycle -- not terribly surprising considering it was the first of his six attempts (seven if you count the Manfred). Dorati's performance of this work is perhaps a touch too stolid, especially in the last movement. But buy this set for the #2 and #3 and you'll be giving yourself a real aural treat. The LSO, captured at the peak of their powers, gives the conductor razor-sharp support, and the early 60's Mercury recording has depth and bloom like you wouldn't believe.

(You can also purchase these works as part of a specially-priced Mercury Living Presence boxed set of all six T. symphonies conducted by Dorati and the LSO. If you haven't invested in any of them yet, this would definitely be the way to go. #5 and #6 in particular are stupendous.)