Tchaikovsky's First Symphony "Winter Dreams"

[haziz]

Which recording of Tchaikovsky's first symphony "Winter Dreams" is your favorite, and why?

I think the earlier Tchaikovsky symphonies are underrated, though I also absolutely love his later numbered symphonies.

What do you think?

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Hany.

[Todd]

Which recording of Tchaikovsky's first symphony "Winter Dreams" is your favorite, and why?

I don't know if I'd say the first three symphonies are underrated, because they just aren't as good as the last three.  That written, they are quite good.  As to the First, MTT's early DG recording was my favorite for a while, but I recently picked up Igor Markevitch's Tchaikovsky cycle on Newton Classics, and the First may very well displace MTT.  Markevitch's approach is very swift and energetic and light.  And sound is superb for a now ancient recording.  (That written, each symphony I have listened to has one approximately half-second silent spot somewhere.  Why I have no idea.)  Of course, I now have heard only four versions of this work, so I may entirely be missing the better versions.

[George]

I have found the MTT on DG to be so enjoyable that I haven't bothered to seek out other readings. I'll admit, though, I don't listen to it (or any of the Tchaikovsky Concertos, except for the 6th, which I adore) very often.

[DavidW]

I've heard Markevitch, Bernstein, N. Jarvi and whatever pirated performance was on point classics.  Performance wise they all sound good, sound quality wise I choose Jarvi.  This is not a great masterpiece, pretty much every performance you hear will have plumbed the depths of this early composition.

[Brian]

A no-hesitation no-second-thought vote for Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic (rec. 2008?), on the LPO's own label. Totally ravishing orchestral playing - gorgeous slow movement - and a finale that's such a thrill ride that it always feels like it's ending sooner than I expect. This is a rather uncommon trait, as most performances make the finale sound two or three minutes too long. Great sound, a live recording but nobody coughed.

Haven't heard Markevitch but I really want to, everyone seems to like that performance.

[George]

Great sound, a live recording but nobody coughed.

Those people were attending a Richter concert across town. 

[eyeresist]

and whatever pirated performance was on point classics.

Wasn't that Nanut? I have that in a box somewhere....

[Mirror Image]

I can't say that Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 1 is a favorite of mine, but it's a very nice work that has this kind of haziness to it that I find attractive. Favorite performances of the symphony? Jansons, Bernstein, MTT, and Abbado.

[DavidW]

Wasn't that Nanut? I have that in a box somewhere....

That rings a bell!  I think you're right.

[eyeresist]

That rings a bell!  I think you're right.

I recall it being warmly enjoyable, but as I'm not a great Tchaik fan, it's easier to have just the Litton boxset in easy reach (the symphonies and major orchestral works excepting the suites and serenades).

[DieNacht]

Golovanov´s recording is probably the most interesting example of a historical one (reasonable mono sound, it was issued by Westminster also in 1956) - very flexible tempi, melodramatic gestures, a la Mengelberg, and some irregular playing (I´ve got Golovanov, Svetlanov and Rostropovich, but LPs only, and skipped Muti).

[val]

The versions of Markevitch and Svetlanov are good, but I prefer the more poetic approach of Maris Jansons with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra (CHANDOS).