Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6/Capirccio Italien/Waltz & Polonaise From Eugene Onegin

Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky (Composer), Eugene Ormandy (Conductor)

Product Details

• Conductor: Eugene Ormandy
• Composer: Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
• Audio CD (January 3, 1992)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000027ON
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #190,521 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
A standout version of the Pathetique, one that millions of music lovers grew up on. This classic performance, featuring the incomparable Philadelphia strings, has been lovingly transferred to CD in excellent remastered sound, and is available at a budget price. There's really nothing more to be said. Eugene Ormandy was one of the 20th century's most passionate advocates of the composer, and his orchestra was without peer in this music at the time this recording was made. Essential. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marvelous, December 1, 2000

By	Michael Newberry (Santa Monica) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This recording is simply a marvel. Ormandy conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra with incredible pathos. The concept is hugely romantic, the melodies and passion really come through. But there is more to this performance than emotional accents; Ormandy keeps a Bach-like eye for the big structure of the symphony. Each section is beautifully molded, equally the lilting balletic movement next to the big fanfare of the 3rd movement. The last movement is pathetic but with a grandeur and integrity that is heart wrenching.

The sound is good for a 1960 recording. The fillers are also excellently played.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I agree with Australian reviewer, October 16, 2001

By A Customer

I already had one other set of Tchaikovsky's last three symphonies before, but then, I got hooked on Eugene Ormandy's recordings, especially the 5th and the "Pathetique." Before I got this CD, I had only played this symphony occasionally. But now, I have a performance that has intrigued me. There's just something about this CD that makes me want to listen to it over and over again. Maybe it's the excellent Philadelphia string section (a hallmark of the Ormandy years). Maybe it's the anxiety of owning a new CD. Or maybe it's the good feelings I get after listening to anything by Tchaikovsky. Certainly, those snobs who dislike Tchaikovsky will probably hate Ormandy after hearing this performance. Ah, who cares?

Certainly, any tape hiss may be present, as is the case with any classic recording, but after a few minutes, you won't even notice because you'll be captivated by this performance. Also, the Capriccio Italien and the two selections from Eugene Onegin make nice fillers on this CD, priced under $10. A steal.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No gooey sentimentality or unbridled hysteria here., July 20, 2001

By	John Austin "[e-mail]" (Kangaroo Ground, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I obtained this CD recently and listened, for the first time, to the much-praised performance of the "Pathétique", recorded at the Broadwood Hotel, Philadelphia on one day in 1960. Perhaps the best recommendation that I can give is to report that I immediately wanted to play it all over again. Anyone reading this will know that recordings of the "Pathétique" do not usually produce this effect. The usual 45 minutes of gooey sentimentality mixed with hysteria can leave the listener exhausted. Not so with this performance! There is drama aplenty, especially in the middle section of the first movement, and excitement in the march movement, but overall there is steadiness and control. The music is left to speak for itself. The orchestra plays with perfect ensemble, and the recording quality is excellent. The symphony is coupled with other Tchaikovky items, recorded in the mid-1960s, providing 75 minutes of great value.