Tchaikovsky Symphonies complete

[PerfectWagnerite]

Anyone listen to this set? I remember someone asked my opinion about it a while ago, but I forgot who it was.
I'm no Tchaikovsky expert, but I thought this set was fine, although obviously there are many other recordings that are better. Still, I recommend it, especially since it's only $17 (and I happened to get it for only $10, although for reasons that are sad, but still...)

I have that set, spread over 8 cds with other assorted Tchaikovsky orchestral works (the orchestral works are not performed by Abravanel/Utah SO). The performances are average to below average in my opinion. They are satisfactory if you don't make any comparisons to other sets or individual performances out there. The playing is good but not great, no real flair or personality. The sound is rather boxy and wears on you on repeated hearing. Even if it is only $17 i wouldn't buy it, considering for $10-$15 more you can get some much better sets.

[Daverz]

Winter Dreams was one of the symphonies I spot checked in the big DG Karajan Symphonies box, and I did not care for the rather dull, artificial sound.  The Bruckner 5 in that box, for example, is a much better recording.

For Tchaikovsky Symphonies 1-3, I recommend Ormandy, available from Archivmusic.  I love the Winter Dreams in this set, and the Polish is also excellent.

[karlhenning]

I have always wondered why Mravinsky had not recorded the first 3 symphonies!

Has anybody read a biography with the answer?  Did he consider them inferior?

Most interesting question, and no, I haven't read a biography . . . .

[karlhenning]

For Tchaikovsky Symphonies 1-3, I recommend Ormandy, available from Archivmusic.

I haven't heard the Ormandy, but I can with a clean breast pound the table both for Muti, and Markevich.

[zamyrabyrd]

There's a terrific new series of Tchaikovsky Symphonies with some overtures and shorter works on Mezzo TV with Gergiev and the Maryinsky Orchestra. These were recorded in the Salle Pleyel early in 2010 (it seems).  I viewed Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5 totally mesmerized and am looking forward to the rest.  Some of his rubati are uncommon (may well be in the scores). He and his orchestra do everything with such energy and commitment, they near sound like different works.

I enjoyed the featured facial expression of the first violinist when they were about to wrap up the last movement of the 5th - a smile of joy and fulfilment.

Did anyone else get to hear these, maybe in public?

ZB

[Opus106]

There's a terrific new series of Tchaikovsky Symphonies with some overtures and shorter works on Mezzo TV with Gergiev and the Maryinsky Orchestra. These were recorded in the Salle Pleyel early in 2010 (it seems).  I viewed Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5 totally mesmerized and am looking forward to the rest.  Some of his rubati are uncommon (may well be in the scores). He and his orchestra do everything with such energy and commitment, they near sound like different works.

I enjoyed the featured facial expression of the first violinist when they were about to wrap up the last movement of the 5th - a smile of joy and fulfilment.

Did anyone else get to hear these, maybe in public?

ZB

I have them all in mp3, the fillers included. But I think I have only heard the second so far.

[Mirror Image]

Never cared too much for Karajan's Tchaikovsky recordings, but the following are my favorite symphony sets:









Not pictured:

Tchaikvosky: Complete Symphonies, Svetlanov, USSR State Symphony Orchestra, Warner Classics --- not the best audio quality compared to Jansons or Abbado, but the performances are white hot. I think they're as intense and passionate as Bernstein's readings.

In terms of just Symphonies Nos. 4-6 there are many fine sets:

[Gurn Blanston]

My current favorites are the Svetlanov/Russian State SO cycle on Canyon. Recorded 'live' in Tokyo. On the downside, they are 1 symphony per disk with no filler. On the upside, they are worth it.

[mc ukrneal]

There's a terrific new series of Tchaikovsky Symphonies with some overtures and shorter works on Mezzo TV with Gergiev and the Maryinsky Orchestra. These were recorded in the Salle Pleyel early in 2010 (it seems).  I viewed Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 5 totally mesmerized and am looking forward to the rest.  Some of his rubati are uncommon (may well be in the scores). He and his orchestra do everything with such energy and commitment, they near sound like different works.

I enjoyed the featured facial expression of the first violinist when they were about to wrap up the last movement of the 5th - a smile of joy and fulfilment.

Did anyone else get to hear these, maybe in public?

ZB

Oi! Yes, but I didn't really enjoy them that much. You can see my reaction to #5 here: http://www.good-music-guide.com/community/index.php/topic,9.msg464552.html#msg464552. I expected much more. But I am glad you enjoyed them anyway.

There are really lots of good sets out there. MI posted a bunch of them, though others include Dorati, Karajan, Litton, Pletnev, and Haitink (if memory serves, he did do one of those). Maazel did a decent 1-3 and Ashkenazy did a good 4-6 (both Decca Doubles, or were anyway). The recent Gatti box is a great bargain for 4-6 as well. Highly recommend that if the price is still great - superb performances in good sound. Temirkanov did a set that doesn't seem to get much love. I haven't heard that one. Rozhdestvensky did 4-6, though they are all issued separately. Pappano did 4-6 ok. Anyway, just a few to consider!

[Daverz]

Winter Dreams was one of the symphonies I spot checked in the big DG Karajan Symphonies box, and I did not care for the rather dull, artificial sound.  The Bruckner 5 in that box, for example, is a much better recording.

The bump gives me an opportunity to revise my opinion of the Karajan 70s recordings.  The sound can't really be called natural, but I don't find it too objectionable now, and the performances are enjoyable.

[Scarpia]

Karajan's Tchaikovsky is nicely done, the 60's recordings are my preference.

But for me the essential complete sets are Markevitch/LSO and Dorati (Mercury Living Presence).  Mavrinski is spectacular in 4-6.

[Coopmv]

This is one of the 5 complete symphonies sets I have.  I also have the Complete Symphonies by Maazel on open-reel tapes.  BTW, this Dorati set may be OOP ...

[Gurn Blanston]

My current favorites are the Svetlanov/Russian State SO cycle on Canyon. Recorded 'live' in Tokyo. On the downside, they are 1 symphony per disk with no filler. On the upside, they are worth it.

This set here is the one I was mentioning earlier. Since I am not overrun with other sets (I have the Temirkanov and the Karajan) I don't have a great basis for comparison with other cycles. But this one is quite satisfactory and commendable.



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Now playing:
King (Oboe) \ Soroka (Violin) \ Stern (Viola) \ Kam (Viola0 \ Khoma (Cello) - Krommer Quintet #2 in Eb for Oboe & Strings 1st mvmt - Allegro moderato

[DavidW]

6 cds and yet no Manfred?

[Mirror Image]

6 cds and yet no Manfred?

Actually, Sveltanov did record a Manfred Symphony, but this recording has been heavily criticized due to that it has been severely cut in playing time.

[Gurn Blanston]

Actually, Sveltanov did record a Manfred Symphony, but this recording has been heavily criticized due to that it has been severely cut in playing time.

Glad I never ran across it then!

No, I have Philharmonia / Muti  for the Manfred. It is a good recording to MY ears, although I have nothing to compare it to...



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Now playing:
The Island Quartet - Krommer Op 46 Quartet #1 in Bb for Bassoon & Strings 4th mvmt - Rondo

[DavidW]

Hmmm... well that explains that then!

MI, does Jansons' box contain the Manfred?

[Mirror Image]

Hmmm... well that explains that then!

MI, does Jansons' box contain the Manfred?

Yes, it does and it's a wonderful performance.

[DavidW]

Yes, it does and it's a wonderful performance.

I think I need to add that box set to my to buy list.

[Mirror Image]

Glad I never ran across it then!

No, I have Philharmonia / Muti  for the Manfred. It is a good recording to MY ears, although I have nothing to compare it to...

Yes, the Muti is quite good indeed. I own several Manfred Symphony recordings: Muti, Pletnev, Jansons, Masur, Tilson Thomas, Petrenko, Rostropovich, Chailly, and Jurowski.