Your favourite Tchaikovsky symphony?

[LKB]

The 6th remains my favorite Tchaikovsky symphony. I truly feel his pain and suffering in this work. Of course, some would say I'm projecting and imbuing emotions into the symphony that aren't there...well, I don't believe it! The last movement is like a resignation of sorts and quite possibly a premonition the composer had of his demise, which would come not too long after his completion of it. The performance that really got to me was Vladimir Jurowski with the London Philharmonic (on this orchestra's own label). Also, Karajan's 70s recording on DG with the Berliners is another that has affected me.

Pathetique was an early memorization for me, probably one of the first three symphonies along with Beethoven's Eroica and the Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. The Decca recording of Ernest Ansermet with his Orchestre de la Suisse Romande was my imprint, for lack of anything better.

Over time l explored recordings by Bernstein and von Karajan before settling on Haitink's second effort with the RCO.

[DavidW]

Tchaik. Symphony #6.  Berliner Philharmoniker/Petrenko.  Blows every other one right off the page.

Oh this is the post!  Yes, thank you for the recommendation... that recording is phenomenal.  And I've been making my way through other K. Petrenko recordings. 

[DavidW]

Over time l explored recordings by Bernstein and von Karajan before settling on Haitink's second effort with the RCO.

My introduction to the symphony was Giulini, anybody heard it?

[Le Buisson Ardent]

My introduction to the symphony was Giulini, anybody heard it?

I have not, but I'm a big fan of Giulini's conducting. I should check it out.

[Jo498]

I hope it's better than the much later LA phil? recording with Giulini that sounds beautiful but completely lacks pathos.
Late(ish) Giulini since the 1980s could work well for some music (especially Bruckner, also Brahms despite glacial tempi) but I don't think it works for Tchaikovsky's 6th.

[DavidW]

I hope it's better than the much later LA phil? recording with Giulini that sounds beautiful but completely lacks pathos.
Late(ish) Giulini since the 1980s could work well for some music (especially Bruckner, also Brahms despite glacial tempi) but I don't think it works for Tchaikovsky's 6th.

Yes my favorites of Tchaikovsky's symphonies are always swift.  You just can't dwell on pathos, his music is more subtle and colorful than that. 

[Daverz]

My introduction to the symphony was Giulini, anybody heard it?

My "imprint" version of the 6th.  Still holds up extremely well.  It's also in the "Giulini: The London Years" box.

[Roasted Swan]

I don't know either Giulini - I must have a listen.  Recent acquisition were the last 3 symphonies in blazing performances by Daniele Gatti and the RPO from around 20 years ago.  Gatti's not a Rostropovich (who I love I have to say) - no weighty lingering but drammatic and purposeful and rather exciting.  Very well played by a galvanised RPO and good recording too.  Not exactly a famous group of recordings but certainly worthy of hearing.

[DavidW]

I love Gatti's Tchaikovsky. 

Gatti and the RPO was also the only major orchestra I've ever heard live.  They came to Penn State when I was a grad student and performed Beethoven's 3rd and one of Brahms piano concertos.  It was amazing!