Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4/Romeo and Juliet

Peter Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) (Composer), Daniel Barenboim (Conductor), Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra)

Product Details

• Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Daniel Barenboim
• Composer: Peter Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
• Audio CD (October 14, 1997)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Teldec
• ASIN: B000000S9B
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #174,618 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
Wow, can this orchestra play! If you want a crushing performance of this grandly Romantic symphony, with bellowing brass, thudding drums, and up close and personal digital sound, then this is just the ticket. The same holds true for Romeo and Juliet. If there are more physically exciting (but never vulgar) performances of this music around, then I sure haven't heard them. Hot! --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com
This is an absolutely fantastic disc, supported by a stunning recording of real demonstration quality. Daniel Barenboim is a curiously inconsistent musician--he can range from thrilling to dull, sometimes within the same performance. Well, this is just plain thrilling. It isn't just that the famed Chicago brass play with a power and precision that defy description; what's more important is that Barenboim knows how to use them to maximum effect. The opening of the finale lifts you out of your seat but remains excitingly listenable rather than just loud. Romeo and Juliet is similarly well done--the fight music works up to a nice frenzy, but there's ample delicacy in the ensuing love music. A delight from beginning to end. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, June 21, 2006

By	P. Lee (Hicksville, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Certainly a Russian composer such as Tchaikovsky should be performed by an Russian orchestra. I have heard so many renditions, by different orchestras, but this interpretation by CSO and Barenboim in my view is the only orchestra that comes close to the Russian spirit of nationalism.

Many will dispute the tempo, and the sluggish manner which Barenboim tend to put orchestras through, but a reminder that this is Russian music, not French. I agree the timp sounds thuddy, and I'm surprised at why Barenboim didn't do something, however I highly suggest you to listen to some of their folksongs and secular music and come to the realization of their music tends to be heavy footed at times, and this version reflects, or comes very close to their music style.

I don't know about you, I wouldn't interpret Debussy with a Brahm's interpretation, just as you don't play works in the style of Romanticism with the style of Classical.

So! this is how the Russians felt...

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very, very good, April 2, 2001

By A Customer

Well, the orchestra can clearly play like hell. On this particular recording, however, they are simply on fire. I must say, however, that I was surprised at how good this recording is: I'm really not much of a Barenboim fan - I think his arrogance is not very well-founded. However, on this recording he leads the orchestra properly to create some thrilling and beautiful music.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars get something else...anything else but this, February 20, 2001

By A Customer

After Listening to this again I have changed my rating from 2 stars to 1 star. Although the Chicago Symphony is considered one of the "Big 5" american orchestras, this performance is wretched. One reviewer referred to the "thudding timpani"... Yeah, they thud alright, but I think they sound more like if you punch someone in the gut and listen to the sound they make when they cough afterwards. This is not Chicago at their best. Good Chicago= Mahler 6 with Abbado. Good Tchaik. 4 ? Who Knows... I haven't heard a recording to run out and buy yet, but I know its not this one.