A modern, Russian-made cycle of Tchaikovsky in superb sound, led by one of today’s most unpredictable and inspiring musicians.
Made at a studio in Moscow in June 2010 and April 2011, originally issued in separate volumes, this is an orchestral cycle of Tchaikovsky to reckon with. Mikhail Pletnev founded the Russian National Orchestra in the years following the break-up of the USSR, and they rapidly won fame and an international following for the dynamic precision and attack of their performances, which bore the imprint of their mercurial leader. One of their earliest recordings was Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique Symphony, later remade for DG as part of a cycle, and then once more within the present set.
Thus this music runs in the orchestra’s blood, but there is no danger of routine or staleness in their performances when Pletnev is on the podium. His approach is remarkably attuned to the period and manners of Tchaikovsky’s time, always neat and graceful in the scherzos and the early symphonies, never overlaid with bombast or excess weight in the manner of many postwar recordings.
The bonuses to the canonic cycle of six symphonies: first and foremost the Manfred Symphony in its original, best and uncut version. Then the major symphonic poems such as Romeo and Juliet and Francesca da Rimini, with their dramatic narratives held taut by Pletnev’s phrasing. The coupling for the Second Symphony, which famously quotes Ukrainian melodies throughout and especially in the joyous finale, is a rare chance to hear the first draft of the opening movement, which was cast on a much more expansive scale.
As it was released, the cycle won no shortage of critical accolades. ‘I doubt that there is a more articulate performance to be found… I don’t think I’ve ever heard the final pages more exciting’ (Gramophone, No.2). ‘Mikhail Pletnev remains one of the most intelligent and stylish conductors around… there’s an element of restraint about Pletnev’s treatment… which I personally find supremely touching’ (Gramophone, No.6). ‘Of the subtle inner workings of Tchaikovsky’s score Pletnev remains an unassailable master’ (Gramophone, Manfred Symphony). This reissue packages the individual discs in compact wallets, with full booklet notes for each piece.
- The reissue of one of the finest and most remarkable Tchaikovsky symphonies cycles, by the Russian National Orchestra conducted by Mikhail Pletnev, previously issued on Pentatone.
- Tchaikovsky's symphonies, known for their emotional depth and sweeping melodies, find new life in this recording. Pletnev's insightful interpretations bring out the subtleties and nuances within each composition, illuminating the composer's emotional turmoil and soaring lyricism. Whether it's the passionate intensity of the "Pathétique" Symphony or the exuberant grandeur of the "Fifth Symphony," Pletnev guides the orchestra with a deft hand, balancing power and sensitivity with remarkable finesse.
- The Russian National Orchestra, renowned for its virtuosity and expressive playing, is the perfect partner for Pletnev's vision. Their synergy allows for a seamless melding of technical brilliance and emotional resonance, creating performances that are both technically impeccable and emotionally gripping. The orchestra's musicians imbue every note with their Russian soul, making this recording a testament to the depth of musical heritage that resides within them.
- Also included are the Marche Slave, Francesca da Rimini, Romeo & Juliet and Capriccio Italien.
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13: I. Dreams of a Winter Journey – Allegro tranquillo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13: II. Land of Desolation, Land of Mists – Adagio cantabile ma non troppo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13: III. Scherzo – Allegro scherzando giocoso
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13: IV. Finale – Andante lugubre-Allegro moderato- Allegro meastoso-Allegro lugubre-Allegro vivo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Marche Slave in B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
Disk 2
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: I. Andante sostenuto-Allegro Vivo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: II. Andante marziale, quasi moderato
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: III. Scherzo-Allegro molto vivace
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: IV. Finale – Moderato assai-Allegro vivo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 Original First movement: I. Andante sostenuto-Allegro commodo
Disk 3
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29: I. Introduzione e Allegro-Moderato assai (Tempo di marcia funebre)-Allegro brillante
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29: II. Alla tedesca-Allegro moderato e semplice
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29: III. Andante-Andante elegiaco
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29: IV. Scherzo-Allegro vivo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 3 in D Major, Op. 29: V. Finale – Allegro con fuoco (tempo di Polacca)-Presto
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Coronation March in D Major
Disk 4
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: I. Andante sostenuto-Moderato con anima
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: II. Andantino in modo di canzona
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: III. Scherzo – Pizzicato ostinato-Allegro
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: IV. Finale – Allegro con fuoco
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy
Disk 5
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64: I. Andante-Allegro con anima-Molto più tranquillo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64: II. Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64: III. Valse – Allegro moderato
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64: IV. Finale – Andante maestoso-Allegro vivace-Meno mosso
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Francesca Da Rimini Op. 32
Disk 6
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: I. Adagio-Allegro non troppo
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: II. Allegro con grazia
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: III. Allegro molto vivace
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: IV. Finale – Adagio lamentoso
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Capriccio italien, Op. 45
Disk 7
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony in B Minor, Op. 58: I. Lento lugubre-Moderato con moto-Andante
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony in B Minor, Op. 58: II. Vivace con spirito
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony in B Minor, Op. 58: III. Andante con moto
Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony in B Minor, Op. 58: IV. Allegro con fuoco
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