Tchaikovsky Symphony Cycles

[EdgeleyRob]

I have this set by Ormandy - which has yet another symphony - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eugene-Orma...%2Ftchaikovsky

I don't know what it's like - but I'd expect it to at least be good. Must get round to listening to that set.

I also do like Bernstein a lot in 6, but I know some hate his version(s).

I have also much enjoyed Haitink in 5 (now surely a vintage analogue recording...) and also Koussevitsky in the same symphony.

Somewhat ironically, the only concert I ever went to in Carnegie Hall was with a Russian orchestra conducted by Termirkanov in Tchaik 6. No NYPO that year!

I've just ordered that Ormandy box,daft not to at 13 quid,thanks Dave.

[cloughie]

I've just ordered that Ormandy box,daft not to at 13 quid,thanks Dave.

Well worth it - I bought it a while back, largely for recordings I never knew existed!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I have this set by Ormandy - which has yet another symphony - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eugene-Orma...%2Ftchaikovsky

I first heard that Ormandy performance of the E flat symphony in the 1960s, and find it most satisfying.

[richardfinegold]

Well worth it - I bought it a while back, largely for recordings I never knew existed!

That set also adds the Ballet Suites, the Serenade For Strings, R& J, and other sundries. It is an amazing bargain, music that the Orchestra of Stokowski and Ormandy was built to excel in, well remastered. I grew up with the recording of the Nutcracker Suite and it still brings an irrepressible smile to my face

[Beef Oven!]

In all honesty, I have to agree with you about the 3rd (and, like you, I've really tried to love it). But yes, 1 & 2 are terrific in their different ways.

Interesting how we, fairly like-minded people, can respond very differently to the same thing. I very much like Tchaikovsky's symphony #3. His ideas always seem too beautiful and elegant for the strictures of symphonic form. Give him the theatrical go-ahead (e.g.ballet) and he’s untouchable (in the romantic genre). Symphony #3 is a gorgeous piece of theatre. The tunes come and go with the harmonics providing their own non-literal facsimile of the melodic line (oxymoron noted). This symphony, in many respects, is maybe Tchaikovsky at his best; what he does best. Perhaps low on cerebral technical form, but high on visceral appeal - actually no, not just visceral, but heart-felt. If anyone’s interested in a recommended recording, I’d say the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Antoni Wit on Naxos. Available for as little as 1p for a s/h copy in very good condition from Amazon! - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-li...condition=used

Btw, IMV Bruckner 3 is one of Bruckner's best, and RVW’s 3rd is possibly his finest. (pace Petrushka’s post #26).

[Barbirollians]

HVK's DG cycle from the 1970s is a great set especially the 1-3 .

Abbado DG 2 and 4

Barbirolli 4-6

Mackerras 6

Mravinsky 4-6

Bernstein 6 (DG )

Chailly and Petrenko Manfred

Silvestri 4-6

Are some of my favourites.

[BBMmk2]

Ah, Silvestri, I a conductor I have overlooked really. Looks as though I might have a look at those Barbs?

As I have Janson's Chandos cycle; just wondering if he's recorded them again?

[Dave2002]

Note, one reviewer wrote this

He is just as convincing in the major Romantic symphonies he was also assigned: 7-9 by Dvorak and 4-6 and the "Manfred" by Tchaikovsky, though here I have a caveat. I find the way Silvestri phrases the motto theme of the Tchaikovsky Fourth Symphony willfully peculiar. This is a shame really, because the rest of the performance is thrilling. I have no such reservations about the Fifth, Sixth, or the "Manfred." Silvestri's Tchaikovsky is dark, roiling, and fiercely dramatic.

and alas it is true, the opening of number 4 is really odd. Seemingly Silvestri had been told that "his" way was correct.

Many of us might not agree. Otherwise I think the performances are good.

[jayne lee wilson]

Interesting how we, fairly like-minded people, can respond very differently to the same thing. I very much like Tchaikovsky's symphony #3. His ideas always seem too beautiful and elegant for the strictures of symphonic form. Give him the theatrical go-ahead (e.g.ballet) and he’s untouchable (in the romantic genre). Symphony #3 is a gorgeous piece of theatre. The tunes come and go with the harmonics providing their own non-literal facsimile of the melodic line (oxymoron noted). This symphony, in many respects, is maybe Tchaikovsky at his best; what he does best. Perhaps low on cerebral technical form, but high on visceral appeal - actually no, not just visceral, but heart-felt. If anyone’s interested in a recommended recording, I’d say the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Antoni Wit on Naxos. Available for as little as 1p for a s/h copy in very good condition from Amazon! - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-li...condition=used

Btw, IMV Bruckner 3 is one of Bruckner's best, and RVW’s 3rd is possibly his finest. (pace Petrushka’s post #26).

Agreed in all respects! WE HAPPY FEW who love the Polish... (it's a good time to express love for all things Polish now given the political situation...)

I haven't heard this Polish Polish but when I got that stunning Canyon Classics HDCD live Svetlanov cycle which Makropoulos mentioned, the 3rd remained elusive; I finally caught up with it years later 2nd hand from a French seller. Price the right side of... obscene (just). It didn't disappoint!

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

The recent RLPO/Petrenko set of First, Second and Fifth symphonies is a fine addition to the catalogue.

Indeed, Alison, it was my pick of the year for Gramophone's Critics Choice.

Bbm, you should be aware that the Petrenko Manfred is not part of this cycle. That was on Naxos (and it a terrific performance). The new Tchaik recordings are for Onyx.

[BBMmk2]

Indeed, Alison, it was my pick of the year for Gramophone's Critics Choice.

Bbm, you should be aware that the Petrenko Manfred is not part of this cycle. That was on Naxos (and it a terrific performance). The new Tchaik recordings are for Onyx.

Hi IGI! Thanks.

[Barbirollians]

Been listening today to a cheap second hand copy of the Android Nelsons/CBSO Tchaikovsky 5 on Orfeo . I really liked their Fourth and I think this is very fine. Edward Seckerson did not like it when reviewing it for Gramophone . I could not disagree with him more . It may lack histrionics but not emotion. Highly recommended - thoughtful, affectionate and superbly played .