Customer Reviews

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 / Serenade for Strings

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tchaikovsky wrote a great many pieces and in almost every style. This recording can show that all by itself!

This Russian recording from the 60's shows strong technique, ensemble, and musicianship, but that's not the point. Lots of recordings are available that do that just fine. The difference between this recording and others is that this one burns with passion. The strings aren't just hot-they're on fire. The woodwinds dance with a dizzying agility, and the brass aren't only big and loud, they make a move for global domination. Instead of jumping when you hear the percussion, you'll launch. It isn't grossly done, it's simply done without the pretense of artifical limits on the contrasts Tchaikovsky writes.

Playing in this extreme style is like fast driving-small mistakes can become big disasters quickly. But the conductor drives with utmost skill, and things stay together and in tempo. This also indicates a great deal of skill in the orchestra, a group I'd not heard much about before.

After blowing your sox off with the Symphony, they show you the Serenade for Strings. You wonder if they included it just to prove they could also play softer, slower, and still in control. Whatever the reason, they can, and they do.

Many recordings aim to sound like this and fall short. Sometimes they lack the skills, sometimes they lack the conviction to play with this passion. This is the Fourth Symphony they want to be when they grow up!

Now, look at the price. Well?

Here's a really RUSSIAN performance of great Russian music. The big climaxes of the fourth symphony erupt and flow like molten lava. It's enough to make the genteel editors of the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs wet their pants. lol

Then you get to cool down with the highly civilized charms of the Serenade. A great program, a great disk. One to play for anyone who thinks classical music is dry or boring.