Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6 / Antal Dorati (2004)

For vigorous interpretation, orchestral clarity, and emotional impact, this set of Tchaikovsky's six symphonies is hard to discount: even though the recordings are ADD and the acoustics vary noticeably, these readings by Antal Dorati and the London Symphony Orchestra are full-blooded and viscerally exciting; and though they were recorded between 1960 and 1965, the original masters were magnificent and still sound great in Mercury's fine remastering. However, Dorati may be too efficient and stimulating for some tastes, and his extremely brisk tempi and movendo pacing in slow movements may seem antithetical to the notion that Tchaikovsky's symphonies should be played with languor and gravity. But there are plenty of conductors and orchestras who do just that, so Dorati's limber renditions provide a welcome alternative for listeners who want real passion, focused intensity, and drive. The various orchestral works that fill space on the discs are perhaps superfluous, but the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra's performances of Romeo and Juliet and Francesca da Rimini are excellent versions, which are satisfying for their vivid colors and riveting in their speed. Less essential are Arensky's Variations and Borodin's Overture to Prince Igor, two wedged-in selections that Tchaikovsky buffs may take or leave. ~ Blair Sanderson



Tracklisting

CD1
01. Symphony No.1 in G Minor, Op. 13 'Winter Day Dreams' - I. Allegro tranquillo / 10:19
02. Symphony No.1 in G Minor, Op. 13 'Winter Day Dreams' - II. Adagio cantabile m… / 9:49
03. Symphony No.1 in G Minor, Op. 13 'Winter Day Dreams' - III. Scherzo_ Allegro … / 9:44
04. Symphony No.1 in G Minor, Op. 13 'Winter Day Dreams' - IV. Finale_ Andante lu… / 14:23
05. Symphony No.2 in C Minor Op.17 'Little Russian' - I. Andante sostenuto-Allegr… / 10:54
06. Symphony No.2 in C Minor Op.17 'Little Russian' - II. Andantino marziale, qua… / 7:18
07. Symphony No.2 in C Minor Op.17 'Little Russian' - III. Scherzo And Trio_ Alle… / 5:16
08. Symphony No.2 in C Minor Op.17 'Little Russian' - IV. Finale_ Moderato assai-… / 9:57


CD2
01. Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29 (Polish) - I. Introduzione e Allegro / 14:29
02. Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29 (Polish) - II. Alla tedesca. Allegro modera… / 6:13
03. Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29 (Polish) - III. Andante elegiaco / 7:28
04. Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29 (Polish) - IV. Scherzo. Allegro vivo / 5:14
05. Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29 (Polish) - V. Finale. Allegro con fuoco / 8:49
06. Arenksy - Variations on a Theme by Tchaikovsky, Op. 35a / 15:39


CD3
01. Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op. 36 - I. Andante sostenuto - Moderato con anima / 17:25
02. Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op. 36 - II. Andantino in modo die canzona / 9:14
03. Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op. 36 - III. Scherzo. Pizzicato ostinato. Allegro / 5:26
04. Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op. 36 - IV. Finale. Allegro con fuoco / 8:36
05. Frencesca da Rimini - Symphonic Fantasy, Op. 32 / 22:58
06. Borodin - Prince Igor - Ouverture / 11:20


CD4
01. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64 - I. Andante - Allegro con anima / 14:39
02. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64 - II. Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza -… / 13:17
03. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64 - III. Valse_ Allegro moderato / 5:33
04. Symphony No.5 in E minor, Op.64 - IV. Finale. Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace / 13:33
05. March Slave, Op.31 / 10:37
06. Eugene Onegin_ Waltz / 5:49
07. Eugene Onegin_ Polonaise / 4:39


CD5
01. Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique' - I. Adagio-Allegro non troppo / 18:57
02. Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique' - II. Allegro con grazia / 7:00
03. Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique' - III. Allegro molto vivace / 8:59
04. Symphony No.6 in B minor, Op.74 'Pathetique' - IV. Finale. Adagio lamentoso / 9:51
05. Romeo And Juliet - Overture-Fantasy / 18:45


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