Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture; Hamlet Overture & Incidental Music

On this CD:

1. Romeo and Juliet, fantasy-overture for orchestra in B minor (3 versions)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

2. Hamlet, incidental music for soprano, baritone & orchestra, Op. 67a
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Derek Hammond-Stroud, Janis Kelly
Conducted by Geoffrey Simon

Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture; Hamlet Overture & Incidental Music, Music, Derek Hammond-Stroud, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Geoffrey Simon, London Symphony Orchestra, Janis Kelly, Classical, Orchestral, Orchestral & Symphonic, Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra, Romantic Overture for Orchestra

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture; Marche Slav; Romeo & Juliet Overture
Average customer rating:

Emotional and expressive Tchaikovsky without being lurid

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture; Marche Slav; Romeo & Juliet Overture

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.5 in E minor/Fantasy Overture "Romeo and Juliet"

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Bernstein Century - Grieg: Peer Gynt Suites, Norwegian Dance, March of Dwarfs/ Sibelius: Valse Triste, Swan of Tuonela, Finlandia

Dvorák: Symphony No.9

ASIN: B0001ENYKI
Release Date: 2004-02-24

Tracks:

1812 Overture, Op.49
Marche Slave, Op.31
Romeo And Juliet Fantasy Overture
Capriccio Italien, Op.45
Hamlet Fantasy Overture, Op.67

Customer Reviews:

Emotional and expressive Tchaikovsky without being lurid.......2006-06-16

What makes this generous (80 min.) CD welcome is that Bernstein, far from going over the top, proves himself a genuinely expressive Tchaikovsky conductor. There are no choirs or cannons in the 1812 Over.(church bells are overlaid in the finale, though), no saccharine underlining of melodies, and no faking the emotion to reach the grandstands. Bernstein was to the manner born in romantic music, so his Romeo and Juliet is exciting and heartfelt. The 1812 will feel a bit low-key to anyone who expects a circus act, but it's musically sound, in case that matters.

I'm not arguing that this CD contains any revelations, but these chestnuts are all very winning in Bernstein's hands. His Capriccio italien deserves better sound--it's a bit thin and tinny--but it dances and sings. My attraction was to the problematic tone poem, Hamlet, which Bernstein believed in eough to record a second time for DG with the Israel Phil. The classic Stokowski recording on Everest tops every critic's list, but Bernstein's sounds more natural in the lyrical sections and brings quite a few thrills in the bombastic rum-tum of this uneven work.

Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems / Manfred Symphony

Average customer rating:

This is it. Really!
One of the greatest achievements in the Tchaikovsky discography--Not to be missed
A Superb Bargain
An Outstanding Collection

Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems / Manfred Symphony
Tchaikovsky , Russian National Orchestra , and Pletnev
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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Tchaikovsky: Complete Suites for Orchestra
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ASIN: B0001ZWGIS
Release Date: 2004-06-15

Customer Reviews:

This is it. Really!.......2007-05-18

Everything said by the reviewers below is true.

This is the greatest, most magnificent rendition of these pieces, ever. And I've heard dozens of interpretations on record, from Bernstein on down (or on up).

Nothing but color, excitement, electricity, philosophical wisdom, perfect musical judgment, and delicious playing is heard for about 4 hours on these 3 discs. Gorgeous. When the "1812" ended (the last track on the last disc), I felt tears coming into my eyes - a reaction more to the culmination of the whole set than to the roaring cannons. By the way, the explosions are vivid in this old warhorse.

Pletnev puts Muti to shame in the Manfred - and gives Jansons a cruel run for his money, and is better recorded than Jansons, to boot.

I love this profoundly. If you're looking for these pieces, this is the one. Really.

One of the greatest achievements in the Tchaikovsky discography--Not to be missed.......2006-11-19

This is an inexpensive issue of phenomenal interpretations, electric when necessary, always on target.

Mikhail Pletnev began his career as a pianist, but when the USSR finally collapsed he took up conducting, piecing together his own orchestra of virtuoso players from the shambles. He made these recordings for Deutsche Grammaphon over a four year period; Manfred and the Tempest in 1993, the rest during two months in 1996. (I wonder what I was doing during those days.) The recorded sound is excellent--perhaps a little recessed here and there in Marche slave, but it is nothing to quibble over. The DG engineers do Pletnev proud, giving him the big Tchaikovsky sound without being terribly bombastic. And while we are on the topic of the bombastic...

Fatum is and excellent, neglected work. Many complain of its awkward form and bombastic nature, but I find little trace of this. Perhaps it is my love of Tchaikovsky's music in general that renders this music so delightful to me--perhaps it is Pletnev. He also does well in the other three little known works, namely The Voyevoda, The Festival Overture on the Danish National Anthem, and The Overture in F major (inaccurately described as Op. 67 on the case, that number belongs to Hamlet). Give these works time and they shall become nearly as much of a joy to listen to as Romeo and Juliet. The middle section of The Voyevoda is taken at a deliciously slow pace, allowing Tchaikovsky's beautiful writing to sing out in full. No complaints about the other two either.

Now to discuss the more popular works, many of which are still unjustly neglected. The Tempest comes to mind. It is my favorite piece of any sort that I have come across, period. Romeo and Juliet is sited in the Penguin Guide as one of the best in existence. The same guide states that the present recordings of Francesca da Rimini and Hamlet are very much in the same league as Stokowski's famous account. The introduction of Capriccio italien may be on the slow side, but Pletnev makes up for it with plenty of verve later on. 1812 Overture is also pleasantly executed.

Tchaikovsky's Manfred Symphony is simply not played enough. But here it is, coupled with a near complete program of Tchaikovsky Symphonic Poems at bargain price. The interpretation is nothing to scoff at either ("one of his finest Tchaikovsky records." Penguin Guide). I have heard complaints about the rubato, but do not see anything wrong with a few small tempo changes--and they are small. This account is among the best, about as excellent as Jansons' fabulous recording.

The packaging is good, the notes sparse, but if you want to know more about these works, the internet is more than willing to oblige.

Overall, this is indeed the best, a must for any admirer of the music or the performers (I am an admirer of both). If you desire but a single disc collection, Berstein's mid-price Sony recording is quite good, if you don't mind an analogue recording. Dorati's Double Decca is also fine, if a little lacking when compared to Berstein or Pletnev. I own another recording of all but two of the works in this trio set, and I prefer Pletnev in most every case. In other words, Pletnev is the way to go.

A Superb Bargain.......2006-05-09

Here is the place to get your Tchaikovsky program-music fix. It's all here, from the well-known and well-loved to the obscure and rightly-so. Into that latter category falls "Fatum," one of the Russian's most fatuous and bombastic compositions but still worth a listen for the colors this master orchestrator can draw from the instruments. And DG's recording captures the all-important low end of the orchestral spectrum, including bass drum, thrillingly! Similarly, the "Manfred Symphony," though not as well known as it should be, is a marvelous piece of orchestration, from the delicate shimmer of the waterfall and its attendant Alpine fairy, which Tchaikovsky paints in what amounts to a scherzo, to the wild bacchanal of the finale, rounded out with one of his most beautifully serene passages. Riccardo Muti's white-hot reading of this work on EMI is my favorite, but Pletnev is not far behind, and he is accorded slightly finer sound.

Among the well-known and well-loved compositions, there are "Romeo and Juliet" and "Francesca da Rimini," both given bold and dramatic readings here. In "Francesca da Rimini," I find Pletnev's tendency to luxuriate over certain passages hinders the flow of the music; this seems a common failure among pianists turned conductor, such as Daniel Barenboim and Christoph Eschenbach. But the conclusion of the work is wildly exciting in Pletnev's reading, as is the battle music in "Romeo," and in this work Pletnev is refreshingly straightforward in his approach.

If you don't know "The Voyevoda," Pletnev's reading should make you an instant admirer. This odd, demonically driven piece is Tchaikovsky's last tone poem; note the use of the celesta, a brand-new instrument that Tchaikovsky introduced to the music world in his "Nutcracker" around the same time, 1890-91. "The Voyevoda" is another tragic love tale like "Romeo" and "Francesca," but it has a focus and singleness of purpose that are rare among Tchaikovsky's tone poems. "Hamlet," for instance, is one of those pieces that seem to ramble a bit--like "Fatum"--but Pletnev does as much as he can with it.

In those great old chestnuts "Marche Slav" and the "1812 Overture," Pletnev and his forces really deliver. True, these pieces almost play themselves, but the performances here sound especially idiomatic, full of Russian melancholy at the opening, Russian fire at the close.

The only omission I can think of is Tchaikovsky's early "The Storm," not to be confused with "The Tempest," which DG does include in this box set. If you want "The Storm," there is a nice recording from Naxos with Antoni Wit; it includes a sympathetic if slightly understated performance of the Fifth Symphony. But "The Tempest" is a more striking work, with a very dramatic opening and some thrilling tone painting in the pages that portray the eponymous tempest. Pletnev and his orchestra do it to a T. As with the "Manfred Symphony" and "The Voyevoda," I believe this is underrated Tchaikovsky and am glad Pletnev does it such justice.

DG provides big, sumptuous sound in all these works, really underscoring the drama inherent in Pletnev's readings. In fact, these are some of the best sounding discs I've heard of Tchaikovsky's music. So for lovers of Tchaikovsky's music and for sound buffs alike, this is indeed a great bargain.

An Outstanding Collection.......2004-11-06

The 3 CDs in this set are available separately from Deutsche Gramophone but the set is such a good buy that if you don't have any of the Pletnev/Russian National Orchestra series buy this set.

The performances come from 1994, 1997 and 1998. Each CD is generously filled (total timing: 237 minutes) with the third topping at 80:40. This is a fairly comprehensive survey of Tchaikovsky's shorter orchestral works. An exception is The Storm op. 76 (a work dating to 1864 but not performed and published until after the composer's death) but the omission is made up for with the obscure Overture in F major and the Festive Overture on the Danish National Anthem. The collection includes excellent performances of such staples as Romeo and Juliet, Francesca da Rimini, Marche slav, the 1812 Overture, Hamlet and Capriccio Italien.

Among the less familiar works there is an excellent recording of The Tempest and the works published following the death of Tchaikovsky: Fate op. 77 and Voyewoda op. 78. Fate has an interesting history. It was written in 1869, to no specific program, when Tchaikovsky was writing music under the tutelage of Milly Balakirev. The work was performed only twice, and when Balakirev made a critical comment Tchaikovsky withdrew the work and destroyed the score. Fate was assembled after his death and published.

The Manfred Symphony is also seldom performed and recorded and receives a great performance here. Mr. Pletnev takes a fast tempo at times. I think the conclusion of the first movement would have a more dramatic character if, like Andrew Litton and the Bournemouth, would have given more space to the music. Despite this small complaint, the symphony is beautifully played and the recording is nicely balanced, as are the other works.

This set is an excellent value, and even if you have some of the music recorded here you will want to have these superb performances. There is a booklet accompanying the set but it is only a brief survey of Tchaikovsky's music, as one would expect from a reduced price set.

Tchaikovsky: Complete Symphonies, Overtures

Average customer rating:

Careful - Misprinted copies!
Do not buy it.
Bargain price, but is this a bargain?
what a bargain!!

Tchaikovsky: Complete Symphonies, Overtures
Maurice Abravanel
Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Beethoven Collection: Symphonies Nos. 1-9, Complete Recording (Box Set)

ASIN: B00005QKFQ
Release Date: 2001-10-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Andante sostenuto; Allegro vivo
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Andantino marziale
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 17: Moderato assai
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Andante; Allegro con anima
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Valse: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 5 in E, Op. 64: Andante maestoso; Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: Lento Lugubre: Moderato con moto: Andante
Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: Vivace con spirito
Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: andante con moto
Manfred, Symphony in Four Tableux after the Dramatic Poem of Byron, Op. 58: Allegro con fuoco
Marche Slave, Op. 31
Ouverture Solennelle, Op. 49

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Adagio; allegro non troppo
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Allegro con grazia
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74: Adagio lamentoso
Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Allegro tranquillo
Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Adagio cantabile ma non tanto
Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Allegro scherzando giocoso

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 11: Andante lugubre; Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Moderato assai; Allegro brillante
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Allegro moderato e semplice
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Andante elegiaco
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Scherzo
Symphony No. 3 in D, Op. 29: Allegro con fuoco
Francesca da Rimini, Symphonic Fantasia after Dante, Op. 32

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Andante sostenuto; Moderato con anima
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Andantino in modo di canzona
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Scherzo: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 in F Minor, Op. 36: Finale: Allegro con fuoco
Hamlet, Overture-Fantasy after Shakespeare, Op. 67a
"Romeo & Juliet," Overture Fantasy after Shakespeare

Customer Reviews:

Careful - Misprinted copies!.......2006-03-27

As others have said in their reviews, the Utah Symphony Orchestra does a good job, but does not overwhelm the listener with passion. Overall, a good buy to get all the symphonies in one collection.

HOWEVER, it seems that at least one release of this set contains a misprint where Disc 1 is actually another artist and genre altogether! My disc 1 is some sort of Gospel CD, and even looking it up in the CCDB database didn't turn up the artist or title. Perhaps Amazon will replace your copy if you have one of the misprints, but VOXBOX will NOT. So buy with care.

Do not buy it........2006-02-03

Not Even a recording of Tchaikovsky's Symphonies. This is really music you would here at a july 4th celebration.

Bargain price, but is this a bargain?.......2005-11-19

Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony made a number of fine recordings for Vox, Vanguard, and Westminster in the 1960s and 1970s, especially of Milhaud, Harris, Copland and other 20th century composers. Abravanel, who became conductor of the Utah Symphony in the late 1940s, is credited as having raised the musicians' standard of playing, and getting the orchestra increased recognition through new recordings released during the early stereo era (late 1950s on).

The Utah Symphony plays well enough, but they do not have the power of the Philadelphia Orchestra under Ormandy, the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell, the Chicago Symphony under Reiner, in other words, of the major American orchestras. They are professional and more than competant, but do not have the lush string tone for Tchaikovsky's great moments. Therefore, you may find this wanting a bit for power in climaxes, and the louder parts of slow movements. When stacked against the best recordings of the Tchaikovsky Symphonies, Abravanel comes up short, sounding bland and unexciting.

However, there are some good recordings in this collection. Abravanel's Tchaikovsky Symphonies 1 and 2 are better than many recordings of these works, but there are exposed violin parts in Symphony 1: IV which are scratchy and out of tune. These parts are HARD to play, however, but the Utah Symphony doesn't have the precision of the Boston Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas (DG) or the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan (DG), for example. Abravenel's Symphony 3 is also better than some, but not the best: dry acoustics make this rather lackluster sounding. Better for Symphony 3 is the Polish National Orchestra/Antoni Wit (Naxos).

Symphony 4 sounds good to me, but is a little light: it could use more power in the stormy pages of I, and the furious swirling passages of IV. For Symphonies 5 and 6, the competition is tough: lots of very fine recordings, so they suffer a little in comparison. 5 is especially dry; 6 fares better than 5, but neither can compare to Ormandy (Sony), Bernstein (Sony), or Wit (Naxos).

MANFRED is better than some, but again inferior to the best: Muti (EMI), Previn (EMI) or Markevitch/LSO (Philips). 1812 and Marche Slave are both excellent, Francesca less so - the lush string sound thing again.

So is this a bargain? For about $15.00, you get 7 major works and a bunch of discmates, but if you already have the great recordings listed above, you don't need this. I tend to go at the Tchaikovsky Symphonies disc by disc: Tilson Thomas/Boston (Symphony 1, DG); Markevitch/London Symphony (2, Philips);
Wit/Polish National (3, Naxos); Ormandy/Philadelphia(4, Sony);
Wit/Polish National (5, Naxos); Ormandy (6, Sony) are all suggested alternatives, but there are certainly many other excellent ones.

what a bargain!!.......2003-12-13

this collection is worth buying if only for the price--FIVE CDs for the price of one! for someone seeking an inexpensive way to explore the symphonic works of tchaikovsky this set is hard to beat. it is true that the perfomances are not at the same level of say bernstein and the NY philharmonic, they are admirably performed. personal favorites are symphonies 4,5 and 6. the utah symphony brings out the meaning and emotion of these masterworks of romanticism, particularly the muted sentiment of no. 6. the famous scherzo of no. 4 comes across with playful bounce you would expect. there are disappointments. the 1812 overture is okay, but lacks the punch of other performances, particularly the timeless one from nearly fifty years ago on the mercury label. the marche slave is a bit humdrum. but again, at this price for this much music, the flaws can be overlooked. highly recommended for beginning collectors on budget!

Average customer rating:

Albert Coates Conducts Tchaikovsky

Manufacturer: Biddulph Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000076AP
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Tracks:

Alla Tedesca
Andante
Scherzo: Allegro Vivo
Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
Scherzo From Manfred Symp
Hamlet-Fantasy Overture (
Romeo And Juliet-Fantasy

Average customer rating:

For the Love of Shakespeare

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000JYY3
Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

Richard III - Prelude
Music For King Lear - The Dream
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Nocturne
The Tempest
Othello - Overture
The Merchant Of Venice
Troilus And Cressida
Falstaff - Dream Interlude
Henry V - Touch Her Soft Lips and Part
Hamlet
Romeo And Juliet - The Montagues And Capulets
As You Like It - Waterfall Scene
Macbeth

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Orchestral Music

Average customer rating:

Tchaikovsky's Unfamiliar Gold Nuggets!

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Orchestral Music

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000AC2
Release Date: 1992-07-29

Tracks:

Romeo And Juliet: Fantasy Overture (1869 Version)
Serenade For Nikolai Rubinstein's Saint's Day
Festival Overture On The Danish National Anthem, Op. 15
The Battle Of Poltava (Symphonic Tableau)
Mazeppa: Cossack Dance (Gopak)

Tracks:

Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Overture
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Melodrama (Act I, Scene 1) - Moderato assai: Fanfare (Act I, Scene 4) - Allegro vivo: Melodrame (Act I, Scene 4) - Moderato assai: Melodrame (Act I, Scene 5) - Allegro giusto ed agitato
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Entr'acte (Act II) - Allegro semplice: Fanfare (Act II, Scene 2)
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Entr'acte (Act III) - Andante quasi allegretto: Fanfare (Act II, Scene 2): Fanfare (Act III, Scene 2): Melodrame (Act III, Scene 2) - Allegro giusto ed agitato
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Melodrame (Act IV) - Andante non troppo
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Scene d'Ophelie (Act IV, Scene 5) - Andantino: Deuxieme Scene d'Ophelie (Act IV, Scene 5) - Moderato
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Entr'acte (Act 5) - Marcia. Moderato assai
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Chant du Fossoyeur (Act 5, Scene I) - Andantino
Incidental Music To Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', Op. 67 Bis: Marche Funebre (Act V, Scene 1) - Marcia: Moderato assai - Fanfare (Act V, Scene 2) - Allegro giusto - Marche Finale (Act V, Scene 2) - Allegro risoluto ma non troppo

Customer Reviews:

Tchaikovsky's Unfamiliar Gold Nuggets!.......2002-11-28

Tchaikovsky is one of my favorite composers. His music to me is always warm, jubilant, majestic and haunting. This CD with the unfamiliar works listed does not disappoint. By the way, since these were World Premiere Recordings, I had to have this 2-CD set.

I was not familiar with any of these works except for the "Festival Overture on the Danish National Anthem" which I had heard on NPR's "Performance Today" back in 1986. Although it was not Tchaikovsky's best composition, to me, it was a good one!Tchaikovsky's way of incorporating haunting Russian folk music in his works show up in this piece including in the closing, The Danish National Anthem. No matter if it's a symphony, overture, orchestral suite, ballet or tone poem, you will find some tune or theme related to his Russian Motherland. Beautiful sound and performance from Geoffrey Simon and the LSO.

In the "Romeo and Juliet", this is the original version composed in 1869 and some three minutes shorter than the 1880 and final version that we hear today. Interesting as it may be, to me, the original version is just as dramatic as the 1880 version.
The LSO is first-class in this performance.

In the "Serenade for Nikolai Rubinstein's Saint's Day", no question--it's Tchaikovsky 1000%! Short but sweet. I have a knack for identifying a composer's musical structure. It's a lovely piece.

"The Battle of Poltava"(Symphonic Tableau) is a real showpiece with it's heavy brass and percussion and goes right well with the "Cossack Dance"(Gopak) from "Mazeppa".

Finally, the incidental music to "Hamlet" is dedicated totally to disc 2 and is really top drawer. A lot of unfamiliar music from this work is truly a blessing. The soprano, Janis Kelly, has a voice that is perfect for this work; so does Derek Hammond-Stroud the powerful baritone.

To sum up everything, you can't beat this two-disc set from Chandos if you would like to explore Tchaikovsky's unfamiliar orchestral works,

Tracks:

Capriccio italien, Op.45
Hamlet, Op.67
The Voyevoda, Op.78
Fatum, Op.77
1812 Overture, Op.49

Tracks:

Romeo And Juliet
The Tempest, Op.18
Francesca da Rimini, Op.32
Marche slave, Op.31

Customer Reviews:

Spectacular clarinet playing.......2005-09-15

For a variety of reasons, the NSO does not have many recordings to its credit; therefore, at first glance one might assume that a CD featuring conductor Antal Dorati would involve the Minnesota Orchestra. Not the case in this two-CD collection of orchestral works by Tchaikovsky. In particular, an inner track of Francesca da Rimini features the NSO of Washington, DC. Recorded in 1973, it showcases the amazing talent of the then newly appointed Principal Clarinetist Loren Kitt, who assumed his postion in 1970. With tone and legato reminiscent of Harold Wright, this recording is a must have for any clarinetist preparing for an audition requiring this excerpt.

Good.......2004-05-08

Antal Dorati was one of the greatest conductors of Tchaikovsky. His recordings always bring out the depth and pathos of the great romantic's scores. However, in these recordings, the poor sound quality and second-rate orchestras take away from the overall experience. The great vision of Dorati is evident, but the shortcomings of the orchestras are evident as well. The dramatic element, so important to Tchaikovsky's music, is somewhat subdued. Climaxes never reach that level of hysteria, no does the orchestra play with a lugubrious sound well suited to the Russian Romantic. Rather, the readings are colder, duller, and not too thrilling. The bonus is, however, that all of Tchaikovsky's tome pomes are in one collection. The decision is yours to make.

excellent performances.......2004-01-29

This is a must have for any admirers of Tchaikovsky.

Still, Antal Dorati is one of the greatest performer of Tchaikovsky and this 2-CD set contains all symphonic fantasies and overtures.

Capriccio, 1812 and Marche slave are recorded wtih Detroit SO, all of others with Washington National SO.

CD 1 begins with famous and brilliant "Capriccio italien". work And then, there is a typical symphonic poem based on Shakespeare's masterpiece: "Hamlet".

And there is an unknown work: "Voyevoda". This is one of the most dark coloured work ever written. This is not same with his early work "Voyevoda, unfinished opera Op. 3". This is late work. Even so, his last work (as you know) is Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique", but opus number of this symphony is 74. So, the opus number of "Voyevoda, Symphonic Ballad" is 78! I cannot to solve this situation... But ý think, this is one of the most beautiful work of the composer and also deserves to be much better-known.

And then, there is an early work: "Fatum". Actually, the composer was destroyed but later the work was reconstructed with orchestral parts. And the last track, famous "1812 Overture". This performance is very good but, there is a better recording of 1812 conducted by Antal Dorati again but it is a Mercury recording.

CD 2 begins with two symphonic poems again based on Shakepeare's works: "Romeo and Juliet" (this is one of the best performance of this work) and "The Tempest" (Tempest is an early work). And then there is a typical Tchaikovsky work: Francesca da Rimini. This work is one of the most difficult work to play of the composer. Especially, the beginnig of the work is horrible (tells about Inferno). And ýn the middle section thereis a very romantic passage which played by clarinet and later by strings... Again this performance is very good, in addition I recommend the recording of Igot Markevitch (available on Philips). And the last track is a solemn work: "Marche slave"

This is an essential recording. Highly recommended.

not quite the one (but close).......2002-11-09

The best, but not the BEST of the best...

Dorati does an excellent job (as usual)with his conducting, the style is amazingly breathtaking - but... But this recording was done in the 1970s with american orchestras. If you really want to hear some great Tchaikovsky, look at some of Dorati's more recent releases, and try to find a european orchestra. It was nice, though, to heaer the lesser renowned pieces on there such as Fatum and The Voyevoda.

This is Tchaikovsky at it's [best available today]

~C~

this is the one.......2002-04-27

Tchaikovsky at his best! This is the one cd to have in your stereo all the time. As always, Dorati ensured the details were taken care of and they do justice to the work of the world's greatest composer (IMHO).