Tchaikovsky 5

[Michel]

This has to be one of my favourite symphonies not just of Tchaikovsky but of the romantic period generally. I still don't really understand why the 6th is more loved; I infact don't really even like it...

Does anyone else share a love for this symphony? I find Mravinsky's account deeply satisfying, although perhaps a touch speedy. I do not believe Karajan's recording is as good as people make out, and all the classic cylces fail to hit the spot. Now that I have heard Mravinsky, I can't go back.

[david johnson]

it's never been my favorite, but i always enjoy it.  sometimes the finale sounds really hokey...depending upon the interpreter.

dj

[karlhenning]

This has to be one of my favourite symphonies not just of Tchaikovsky but of the romantic period generally. I still don't really understand why the 6th is more loved; I infact don't really even like it...

I could never go so far as disliking the Sixth . . . but for large stretches of time, I do prefer the Fourth or the Fifth.

[BachQ]

Does anyone else share a love for this symphony?

Easily among my favorite works of Tchaikovsky . . . . . . and one of my favorite late-romantic symphonies . . . . . .

sometimes the finale sounds really hokey...depending upon the interpreter.

Yes, the finale is oft-criticized as being repetitive . . . . . . however, I think the finale is perfect and an ideal capstone to this masterpiece . . . . . .

[karlhenning]

Yes, the finale is oft-criticized as being repetitive . . . . . . however, I think the finale is perfect and an ideal capstone to this masterpiece . . . . . .

Hear, hear!

[Michel]

I traditionally found the latter movements a let down from the brilliant first, but have come to love them all, although I do still favour the first movement.

[Harry]

Gospel according to Harry
No favourites with me.
I simply love every note from the first Symphony to the last.
No boring or better movements than the rest.
Tchaikovsky is a genius, one of the greatest Russian composers ever.
He was simply incapable to write a single note which would be less interesting as the last one.
All what he composed is of interest, and count yourself lucky being able to listen to all of his music.

[Michel]

Try telling that to Hanslick Harry.

[Steve]

This has to be one of my favourite symphonies not just of Tchaikovsky but of the romantic period generally. I still don't really understand why the 6th is more loved; I infact don't really even like it...

Does anyone else share a love for this symphony? I find Mravinsky's account deeply satisfying, although perhaps a touch speedy. I do not believe Karajan's recording is as good as people make out, and all the classic cylces fail to hit the spot. Now that I have heard Mravinsky, I can't go back.

I too, am very fond of this symphony, but have generally still preferred the 6th, if only for that hauting opening Adagio. Of course, I've always loved these symphonies, so picking between them isn't an easy exercise. For these symphonies- I know that I won't find much company on this one, but I prefer Mariss Jansons recordings with Oslo; for me, few other conductors can handle slow movements with such intimacy and grace. I've heard the Mravinsky and Karajan, owning the latter for his general orchestral prowless, but I still, after all these years, prefer the Jansons.

[Harry]

Try telling that to Hanslick Harry.

Hanslick had his opinion, that's all, I have mine, that's all too!

[Michel]

Hanslick had his opinion, that's all, I have mine, that's all too!

Hanslick had no worthy opinions; he was an idiot.

[Harry]

I too, am very fond of this symphony, but have generally still preferred the 6th, if only for that hauting opening Adante. Of course, I've always loved these symphonies, so picking between them isn't an easy exercise. For these symphonies- I know that I won't find much company on this one, but I prefer Mariss Jansons recordings with Oslo; for me, few other conductors can handle slow movements with such intimacy and grace. I've heard the Mravinsky and Karajan, owning the latter for his general orchestral prowless, but I still, after all these years, prefer the Jansons.

I share your enthousiasm for Jansons, still I find him lacking in passion and tempi. Many of the gorgeous details are lost on him.
Take for instance the recordings from Karajan made in the sixties, there you will find so much more Tchaikovsky as with Jansons.

[Harry]

Hanslick had no worthy opinions; he was an idiot.

Well I said opinions, and was not talking about its worth.

[Steve]

I share your enthousiasm for Jansons, still I find him lacking in passion and tempi. Many of the gorgeous details are lost on him.
Take for instance the recordings from Karajan made in the sixties, there you will find so much more Tchaikovsky as with Jansons.

I'm generally not much of a Karajan fan; espcially with Russian composers, but I have heard many good things about his this cycle. While I agree with you about the lack of passion and raw energy in the fast places with Jansons (opening movement to the 6th) I appreciate his deft with the opening adante to the 5th, for instance. One way or another, I was going to buy another cycle (or at least the later ones)

Did Karajan record the Manfred?

[Michel]

I share your enthousiasm for Jansons, still I find him lacking in passion and tempi. Many of the gorgeous details are lost on him.
Take for instance the recordings from Karajan made in the sixties, there you will find so much more Tchaikovsky as with Jansons.

But also a stuffy sound, and an overbearing weight that does not suit Tchaikovsky.

[Steve]

But also a stuffy sound, and an overbearing weight that does not suit Tchaikovsky.

Yes, this is generally why I avoid him for the Romantics.

[Steve]

Well I said opinions, and was not talking about its worth.

Could you enlighten me- Who was this Hanslick anyway?

[SimonGodders]

Mravinsky is cool with me, probably my top pick, but also like Gergiev's raucous affair on Philips with the VPO - stupendous finale, but might be OTT for some.

It get's me 'air conducting'!!! (used to be air guitar when younger, air conducting in my 'mature' years...)

[Don]

Did Karajan record the Manfred?

I'm not aware of any recording.

[Steve]

I'm not aware of any recording.

How about the early symphonies?

So I guess all that's available is that set from DG (Nos. 4-6).