Tchaikovsky: the Complete Symphonies [Import]

Track Listings

1. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"

2. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"

3. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"

4. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"

5. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"

6. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"

7. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"

8. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"

9. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"

10. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"

11. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"

12. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"

13. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"

14. Romeo & Juliet

15. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36

16. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36

17. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36

18. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36

19. Francesca Da Rimini, Op.32

20. Symphony No.5 In E Minor, Op.64

See all 30 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
5CD Box set. Columbia Legends series.

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
Romeo & Juliet
Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
Francesca Da Rimini, Op.32
Symphony No.5 In E Minor, Op.64
Symphony No.5 In E Minor, Op.64
Symphony No.5 In E Minor, Op.64
Symphony No.5 In E Minor, Op.64
Slavonic March, Op.31
Ouverture Solennelle "1812",Op.49
Symphony No.6 In B Minor, Op.74 "Pathetique"
Symphony No.6 In B Minor, Op.74 "Pathetique"
Symphony No.6 In B Minor, Op.74 "Pathetique"
Symphony No.6 In B Minor, Op.74 "Pathetique"
Hamlet, Op.67

Album Details

5CD Box set. Columbia Legends series.

Customer Reviews:

One Of The Most Important Tchaikovsky Symphony Cycles Ever Recorded.......2007-06-02

Fans of Bernstein, Tchaikovsky and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra will find much to admire in this box set containing recordings made for CBS Masterworks during the 1960s and 1970s. Historically these are important recordings since they were among the first ever recorded in stereo of the entire Tchaikovsky symphony cycle, and were regarded as definitive accounts by many fans and critics for years. I concur with a previous reviewer who noted that Bernstein's best recorded accounts are those of the 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th symphonies. I especially admire his interpretations of the last three symphonies, noting that he does a fine job in taking a more middle of the road approach by faithfully adhering to Tchaikovsky's scores without injecting an excessive amount of emotional intensity (Sadly this wasn't the case for his later Deutsche Grammophon recordings of the last three symphonies in the mid to late 1980s, recorded during live performances with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.). Without question, this set of symphony recordings demonstrate that Bernstein was a fine interpreter of Tchaikovsy's music, offering contemporary listeners yet another excellent opportunity to hear Bernstein at his peak as a great orchestral conductor.

Bernstein is strongest is Symphonies 1,4,5,and 6.......2005-10-09

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) recorded all 6 Tchaikovsky Symphonies with the New York Philharmonic for Columbia records-now Sony Classical - in the 1960s and early 1970s. Bernstein later re-recorded Symphonies 4,5,and 6 with the New York Philharmonic for Deutsche Grammophon. In this box then are Bernstein's only recordings of Tchaikovsky's first 3 symphonies.

Symphony 1 in G Minor, "Winter Dreams" fares the best of the early symphonies. Bernstein isn't afraid the play around with tempos to make a point, but he does very well and is quite convincing throughout. In short, his tempo fluctuations do not impede the flow of the music or hamper Tchaikovsky's message. Symphony 2 in C minor, "Little Russian", which uses a Ukrainian folk song as the central motif around which movement IV is built, is less successful. Bernstein is too fast through I and IV, pushing the music too hard, and making it seem all slam-bang with little of Tchaikovsky's soul. Perhaps he was having an off day when this was recorded. Symphony 3 in D Major, "Polish", and the least recorded of Tchaikovsky's 6 symphonies, is better than Symphony 2, but not as successful as Symphony 1 in Bernstein's hands. He does exaggerate slowness in the introduction to I, and the New York violins are a little scratchy in fast moving passages in the allegro of I. But there is incredible spirit throughout. The Elegy movement is very tender and yearning; the final Polacca (mt. V) very energetic and stirring in the closing hymn like coda.

Symphony 4 is the 1975 recording, considered by many to be superior to an earlier 1960 recording by Bernstein/New York (available in a separate Sony "Bernstein Century" release). The 1975 recording is less driven, and was popular on LP when I was in college in the late 1970s: one of my dorm roommates had this LP in 1978. Symphonies 5 and 6, both recorded in the early 1960s, are excellent and top notch in every way. Symphony 6 "Pathetique" is more objective, less overwrought with emotion and pathos than Bernstein's 1986 DG recording of this piece, but still filled with emotion and drama, as is Bernstein's style.

There are also the discmates: excellent "Marche Slave" "1812 Overture", "Hamlet", and "Romeo and Juliet"; and a well played but poorly recorded "Francesca da Rimini." (Bernstein's 1986 DG Francesca, disc-mate to Symphony 4, is much better recorded than the one here). So, this is a great bargain if you like Bernstein's emotional, heart on sleeve style in Tchaikovsky. It works well, and buying all these recordings in a box is a bargain, rather than separate Bernstein Royal and other CBS or Sony editions. You might consider supplementing this with the Naxos recordings of Tchaikovsky's Symphony 2 by Adrian Leaper/Polish National Radio Orchestra, and Symphony 3 by Antoni Wit/Polish National Radio Orchestra, both well balanced performances in excellent digital sound.

Average customer rating:

Tchaikovsky: Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000GW8AUE
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Tchaikovsky: Complete Symphonies (1-6) [4 disc set]

Average customer rating:

Symphonies 1 and 2 are the best here
The best Tchaikovsky boxed set of the symphonies ever

Tchaikovsky: Complete Symphonies (1-6) [4 disc set]

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GCR
Release Date: 1990-07-03

Tracks:

Symphonie No.1 g-moll op. 13 'Wintertraume': Traume einer Winterreise - Allegro tranquillo
Symphonie No.1 g-moll op. 13 'Wintertraume': Land der Ode, Land der Nebel
Symphonie No.1 g-moll op. 13 'Wintertraume': Scherzo. Allegro scherzando giocoso
Symphonie No.1 g-moll op. 13 'Wintertraume': Finale. Andante lugubre - Allegro moderato - allegro maestoso - Allegro vivo
Symphonie Nr. 2 c-moll op. 17 - Kleinrussische: Andante sostenuto - Allegro vivo
Symphonie Nr. 2 c-moll op. 17 - Kleinrussische: Andantino marziale, quasi moderato

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 2 c-moll op. 17 - Kleinrussische: Scherzo. Allegro molto vivace
Symphonie Nr. 2 c-moll op. 17 - Kleinrussische: Moderato assi - Allegro vivo
Symphonie Nr. 3 D-dur op.29 - Polnische: Introduzione e Allegro. Moderato assi
Symphonie Nr. 3 D-dur op.29 - Polnische: All tedesca. Allegro moderato e semplice
Symphonie Nr. 3 D-dur op.29 - Polnische: Andante elegiaco
Symphonie Nr. 3 D-dur op.29 - Polnische: Scherzo. Allegro vivo
Symphonie Nr. 3 D-dur op.29 - Polnische: Finale. Allegro con fuoco

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 4 f-moll op. 36: Andante sostenuto
Symphonie Nr. 4 f-moll op. 36: Andantino in modo di canzone
Symphonie Nr. 4 f-moll op. 36: Scherzo
Symphonie Nr. 4 f-moll op. 36: Finale
Symphonie Nr. 5 e-moll op 64: Andante
Andante cantabile

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 5 e-moll op. 64: Valse. Allegro Moderato
Symphonie Nr. 5 e-moll op. 64: Finale. Andante maestoso
Symphonie Nr. 6 h-moll op 74 - Pathetique: Adagio - Allegro non roppo - Andante - Moderato mosso
Symphonie Nr. 6 h-moll op 74 - Pathetique: Allegro con grazia
Symphonie Nr. 6 h-moll op 74 - Pathetique: Allegro molto vivace
Symphonie Nr. 6 h-moll op 74 - Pathetique: Finale. Adagio lamentoso - Andante

Customer Reviews:

Symphonies 1 and 2 are the best here.......2005-10-25

Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) recorded almost everything in the standard orchestral repertoire once, many works two or three times, between his 1950s recordings for EMI with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the early 1960s for Decca with the Vienna Philharmonic, and his 1960s - 1989 recordings, mostly with the Berlin Philharmonic, for Deutsche Grammophon. In this collection of Tchaikovsky's 6 Symphonies, Karajan's only recordings of Symphonies 1, 2 and 3 are represented, dating from 1979 at the end of the analog era of recording technology, just before digital recordings became the norm. Symphonies 4, 5, and 6 date from 1976, and are analog sound, and Karajan's 2nd recording of these famous, oft recorded works for DG; he recorded Symphonies 4,5,6 in the mid 1960s with the Berlin Philharmonic, and again in the late 1980s for DG (with the Vienna Philharmonic). Karajan also recorded Symphonies 5 and 6 in Berlin for EMI in the 1970s. Whew! It gets confusing keeping track of all these recordings!

Karajan does best here with Symphonies 1 and 2. Symphony 1, "Winter Dreams" has tempos slightly slower than some conductors take, but things never drag, and the playing of the Berlin Philharmonic is so beautiful and expressive. Symphony 2, "Little Russian" also has slightly slower than average tempos, but is very well paced, and sounds very beautiful under Karajan's direction. III and IV are very well played, with appropriate spirit and fire.

Symphony 3, nicknamed "Polish" by Tchaikovsky's publisher (not the composer!) is really strange, as Karajan conducts some fast sections at slower than usual tempos, and the slow movements at faster than usual tempos. It borders on the bizarre. Worst of all is V, the "Polacca" movement which drags mercilessly in the coda, towards the end. Every other recording I've heard really hauls this final section at a hell-for-leather pace, but Karajan goes very slowly until the final section of the coda. This is the most mannered recording I've heard of Karajan, and the poorest recording I've heard of this least recorded symphony by Tchaikovsky, which I dearly love.

Symphony 4 is very well played, but cold, and clinical in it's execution. Symphonies 5 and 6 are well played, too, but competition here with other recordings is fierce, and there are some pizzicato (plucked string) passages in Symphony 5: II which are not together, and really spoil the feeling of continuity in this movement. Also, Symphony 5 is generally played legato to the extreme, and very slowly in parts which should move at a faster pace. I can't say why I don't like Karajan's later Tchaikovsky symphonies, I just don't and prefer other recordings.

The recorded sound is quite good throughout, but I wouldn't recommend this, for the reasons mentioned above.

If I were building a "dream collection" of Tchaikovsky Symphonies, I would recommend:

Symphony 1 "Winter dreams" - Michael Tilson Thomas/Boston Symphony (DG)

Symphony 2 "Little Russian" - Igor Markevitch/London Symphony (Philips Duo, with Symphonies 1 and 3)

Symphony 3, "Polish" - Antoni Wit/Polish national Radio Orchestra (Naxos)

Symphony 4 - Eugene Ormandy/Philadelphia Orchestra (Sony Essential Classics)

Symphony 5 - Seiji Ozawa/Berlin Philharmonic (DG Eloquence series)

Symphony 6 - Eugene Ormandy/Philadelphia Orchestra (Sony Essential Classics)

The best Tchaikovsky boxed set of the symphonies ever.......2005-07-25

I've heard many of the Tchaikovsky symphonies in the different stages of Karajan career, and you simply can't go wrong with this set that was recorded from the mid to late 70's. I think the 6th and 3rd symphonies, and probably the 5th, are just about the best that could ever be recorded. There might be a few that could come close to matching this set, but it's almost impossible to surpass these superb recordings. The 5th has very fine analog sound, and is very exciting indeed. The 6th is among the loveliest I've heard, and I've heard quite a few. The 4th movement of the 6th, is quite moving, and often has brought me to tears. The movement needs a desperate hysteria, unlike a lot of versions that I heard that are played very cool and detached. The 6th also has very good sound also. The 3rd is probably hands down the best ever recorded. The 1st, 2nd, and 4th are also among the best, but there a probably a few that are better. This is the first Tchaikovsky boxed set I ever purchased, and I would never think about letting go of this great one!!!

P.S. Mr.Majeska- Are you insane to say that this DG Tchaikovsky 6th is subpar in any way. I've heard tons and tons of Sixth's and this is the most incredible version I've ever heard, so I wonder very much about your taste in at least the last Tchaikovsky Symphony (The Pathetique). That finale movement is so amazing it's beyond words to be quite honest. Karajan's Polish Symphony also is above reproach also, so buy an ounce of taste. And Ozawa is a very poor choice for the 5th, also, I might add. Check out Gerard Schwartz for Tchaikovsky's 1st and 2nd Symphonies also because they blow away Tilson-Thomas. Good day!!!!

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

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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:

Excellent sound and fiery playing make this a good bargain
Good, but sound could be better...

Complete Symphonies (Box)
Tchaikovsky , Muti , Po , and Philadelphia Orchestra
Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000BLI3TI
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Customer Reviews:

Excellent sound and fiery playing make this a good bargain.......2006-05-20

Riccardo Muti recorded the Tchaikovsky Symphonies in this box with the PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA in the mid to late 1970s, and they are well recorded, with excellent sound and fiery playing, which make this a good bargain. Collectors should be aware: Symphonies 4, 5 and 6 were later recorded with the PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA in the 1980s: these are NOT the same recordings - these are Muti's earlier Philharmonia ones. The Philadelphia items here are the 1812 Overture, Swan Lake Suite, Francesca da Rimini, and Romeo and Juliet.

This is a good overall survey, and a bargain to boot, but collectors should be aware there is heavy competition. To collect discs one at a time would be more costly, so the choice remains one of individual taste. Tchaikovsky's 1st Symphony, "Winter dreams" is very well played under Muti's leadership, and perhaps a little driven. Brilliant's sound is much better than the 1st EMI CD issue of this recording.
Symphony 2, "Little Russian" is also well played and recorded, and the Allegros are really FAST. Symphony 3, "Polish" benefits from blistering fast tempos in the Allegro section of I, and V (Tempo di Polacca) is nearly reckless, but with a thrilling coda. Symphonies 4, 5, and 6 are very good, but there are better recordings elsewhere, including Muti's own Philadelphia recording of 5.

Other options? For Symphony 1: Michael Tilson-Thomas/Boston Symphony (DG Originals), Adrian Leaper/Polish National Orchestra (Naxos), Andrew Litton/Bournemouth Orchestra (Virgin); for Symphony 2: Igor Markevitch/London Symphony (Philips Duo);
Symphony 3: Antoni Wit/Polish Natl. Orch. (Naxos), Eugene Ormandy/Philadelphia Orchestra (BMG Japan, if you want to import it); Symphony 4: Ormandy/Philadelphia (Sony); Bernstein/New York Philharmonic (Sony - the 1975 recording, NOT the earlier 1960 one); and Thomas Beecham/Royal Philharmonic (in his GREAT CONDUCTORS OF THE 20th Century 2 CD collection, on EMI); for Symphony 5: Ormandy/Philadelphia (Sony); Seiji Ozawa/Berlin Philharmonic (DG); and for Symphony 6: Ormandy/Philadelphia (Sony), Pierre Monteux/Boston (RCA), or Wit/Polish National (Naxos).

Avoid Karajan's DG recordings: especially of Symphony 3 - he did strange things with the tempos in III and V, which really distract from the music.

For one stop shopping, Muti is very good indeed, but fussier collectors may want to consider a variety of recordings one at a time.

Good, but sound could be better..........2005-12-28

The Second Symphony recording could be much better. In the final movement, the orchestra sounds too undefined and the drum too near, so the melody loses its energy. Moreover, there's a bit of noise in the other recordings, specially in the calm parts of the works. And, in some occasions, the strings sound a bit far-off (the Fifth final required more strength strings). It's amazing, because these are English EMI recordings, and this combination has always a good result. Despite of it, Mutti's versions of Tchaikovsky symphonies are quite good and, sometimes, very Italian (in rythm and tempo, I mean).

Average customer rating:

Collectively the Best!
Surely the successor to Mravinsky
Tchaikovsky As He Would Have Liked It!
THIS IS ONE ELEGANT CYCLE . . .
Tchaikovsky for people who (think they) hate Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , and Mariss Jansons
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000000AID
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In G Minor Op. 13 'Winter Daydreams': I - Allegro tranquillo ('Dreams Of A Winter Journey') - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor Op. 13 'Winter Daydreams': II - Adagio cantabile ma non tanto ('Land Of Desolation, Land Of Mists') - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor Op. 13 'Winter Daydreams': III - Scherzo: Allegro scherzando giocoso - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 1 In G Minor Op. 13 'Winter Daydreams': IV - Finale: Andante lugubre - Allegro maestoso - P.I. Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 In C Minor Op. 17 'Little Russian': I - Andante Sostenuto-Allegro Vivo - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor Op. 17 'Little Russian': II - Andantino marziale, quasi moderato - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor Op. 17 'Little Russian': III - Scherzo And Trio: Allegro molto vivace - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 2 In C Minor Op. 17 'Little Russian': IV - Finale: Moderato assai - Allegro vivo - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Capriccio Italien Op.45 - P.I. Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In D Major Op. 29: I - Moderato assai (Tempo di marcia funebre) - Allegro brillante - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 3 In D Major Op. 29: II - Alla tedesca: Allegro moderato e semplice - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 3 In D Major Op. 29: III - Andante elegiaco - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 3 In D Major Op. 29: IV - Scherzo: Allegro vivo - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 3 In D Major Op. 29: V - Finale: Allegro con fuoco - Tempo di polacca - P.I. Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In F Minor Op. 36: I - Andante sostenuto - Moderato con anima - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 4 In F Minor Op. 36: II - Andantino in modo di canzona - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 4 In F Minor Op. 36: III - Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato - P.I. Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 4 In F Minor Op. 36: IV - Finale: Allegro con fuoco - P.I. Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In E Minor Op. 64: I - Andante - Allegro con anima - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 In E Minor Op. 64: II - Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 In E Minor Op. 64: III - Allegro moderato - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 5 In E Minor Op. 64: IV - Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace - Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In B Minor Op. 74 'Pathetique': I - Adagio - Allegro non troppo - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 6 In B Minor Op. 74 'Pathetique': II - Allegro con grazia - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 6 In B Minor Op. 74 'Pathetique': III - Allegro molto vivace - Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 6 In B Minor Op. 74 'Pathetique': IV - Finale: Adagio lamentoso - Tchaikovsky

Tracks:

Manfred Symphony Op. 58 (In Four Scenes): I - Lento lugubre - Moderato con moto - Tchaikovsky
Manfred Symphony Op. 58 (In Four Scenes): II - Vivace con spirito - Tchaikovsky
Manfred Symphony Op. 58 (In Four Scenes): III - Andante con moto - Tchaikovsky
Manfred Symphony Op. 58 (In Four Scenes): IV - Allegro con fuoco - Tchaikovsky

Amazon.com

These performances established both the conductor and the Oslo Philharmonic as artists of international stature. Indeed, this is one of the finest sets of Tchaikovsky symphonies ever recorded. Mariss Jansons earned his stripes in Leningrad under the legendary Evgeni Mravinsky, and while his performances aren't as manic as his mentor's, they are highly disciplined, intense, and superbly recorded. If you're looking for great Tchaikovsky in modern digital sound, this set's the one to get. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Collectively the Best!.......2007-06-12

There may be other single performaces that might outshine some individually in this set, but on the whole, this is one outstanding set of the Tchaikovsky 6 numbered symphonies and the lesser known Manfred Symphony. Mariss Jansons demostrates a singular vision throughout this cycle. I got them separately, dont waste time, get them all at once. A special treat is the little know 3rd Symphony in 5 movements. As one reviewer pointed out there are none of the flagrant inflections that many conductors introduce into these masterpieces. If you love Tchaikovsky, you will love this set.

It would appear that this set has become unavailable, but should you find it somewhere, I would make the effort to get it.

Surely the successor to Mravinsky.......2006-08-29

For those seeking the definitive recording of the Tchaikovsky cycle, look no further. Jansons brings us something fresh and new, a new spark into the classics and absolutely breathtaking masterworks that are Tchaikovsky's mature symphonies. I tend to think Jansons learned quite a bit from Mravinsky about Tchaikovsky interpretation, and though at the same time that the interpretations are similar in many regards, Jansons most apparently has a gift for presenting old ideas in new ways.

Although the last three symphonies are perhaps some of the best recorded, the earlier three do not stand at the same level. The differences between the first and second three are subtle, though noticable. They lack the finesse, the pathos, and frankly the more Tchaikovsky-en nuances. Not to say these recordings are bad, but they are simply outshined by the other three.

I've never cared for the Manfred, never understood it. Jansons and the Oslo Phil nevertheless provide us with a decent, though not entirely fantastic, rendition.

A powerful set altogether, a staple for the Tchaikovsky fans out there.

Tchaikovsky As He Would Have Liked It!.......2005-10-07

This terrific box set of Tchaikovsky's complete symphonies (1-6) put conductor Mariss Jansons on the map. They are brilliant interpretations that are completely different from the older renditions by Karajan, Bernstein, Dutoit, and other conductors. This is the newest version on digital sound technology. Mariss Jansons is still an active conductor in Europe, and I dare say is a modern day Herbert Von Karajan. His eminence as a conductor has been proven time and again through his work with the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic and various other European orchestras. He is a con
The problem with the music of Peter Tchaikovsky is not in the music itself but in the interpretations of it by various conductors over the years. It is by neglecting the true intent of Tchaikovsky's original scores, that most people come to associate Tchaikovsky's music as overly sentimental, sickly, sweetly romantic (Romeo and Juliet Overture for example and his ballets)and emotionally overblown. But the truth is that Tchaikovsky was in the same league as his Romantic predecessors Beethoven, Berlioz and even Wagner. His music was deeply influenced by Romantic European composers outside of Russia. Yet he suffused his music with folk themes from his native Russia and did not lose the fiery intensity and fierceness of Russian music. The symphonies never sounded better. No. 1-3 are the work of a still budding symphonist, with a plethora of folk melody and lilting tones. He matured as a symphonic composer starting with his 4th, which he always claimed was music in homage to his patroness the Countess Van Meck who had finished supporting him financially about this time. The music is brooding but radiant and cheerful, especially the finale. The 5th is music that is entirely triumphant and bursting with Mendelssohn-style energy. Surely Tchaikovsky had a good year that year. But his final symphony, the 6th, was also his Requiem. It was the last thing he ever composed. He died of poisoning (some claim it was forced suicide by his homophobic and outraged peers). Tchaikovsky was rumored to have had an affair with a member of the nobility and this caused a scandal that lead to his death. The 6th is a long work of anguish, despair and turmoil. The music is harsh, the progression of music is like the progress of some fatal disease. It is brutal, fatalistic music that not even Wagner could have endured. The music quiets down at the end and takes a final breath, before fading away into nothing. It is powerfully moving and tragic. I highly recommend this set as it is the finest versions in our current time. The only past conductor that performed Tchaikovsky's symphonies with justice was Antal Dorati. Look for all his Tchaikovsky recordings and you will not regret it.

THIS IS ONE ELEGANT CYCLE . . ........2004-02-28

_____________________________________________________________________________

At a time when Tchaikovsky's symphonies seem to have fallen out of vogue for many, conductor Mariss Jansons has managed to embue all of the charm, delicacy and dignity they possess into these remarkable performances, and with an acute sense of timelessness. Jansons' treatment is so sensitive and the precision of the Oslo Philharmonic so flawless that this cycle will endure long past any temporary cold shoulder some of this composer's works are forced to endure.

Amazingly, Tchaikovsky's own past popularity is one of the main reasons for this current neglect. This last century saw many substandard, by that I mean too monotonous and routine, performances of these works by everyone under the sun and often without any more motive than to add Tchaikovsky to their repertoire. Indeed, the sheer beauty of the tastefully performed symphonies in this cycle would probably be all that's necessary to bring Tchaikovsky back into the light of day - if enough people took the chance to listen.

Included with the symphonies is a wonderfully executed rendition of the Capriccio Italien and a booklet discussing the historical events surrounding each musical selection as well as information on Mariss Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic.

All of these Chandos digital recordings were performed between '84 and '86. I highly recommend this set and hereby give it 5 stars. Go ahead, splurge and get it, you won't be disappointed!

Tchaikovsky for people who (think they) hate Tchaikovsky.......2003-02-06

A musician friend of mine once said that eventually everyone "gets" Tchaikovsky. I didn't know what she meant by that: "gets" in the sense that eventually everyone "gets" a cold, or "gets" in the sense of "understands"? On the surface the question seems laughable: how can anyone not understand Tchaikovsky? He was the man who wrote emotionally overblown music with the gorgeous melodies we berate ourselves for liking. But, as these performances show, he was so much more...and a good deal less: a fine symphonist (maybe not of the very front rank, but fine nonetheless) who could write emotionally honest, intellectually stimulating works whose seeming histrionics may be more the doing of the music's interpreters than of the music itself. What sets these performances apart from countless others are a sense of emotional "cleanliness" with no sacrifice of genuine, barn-storming excitement.

A few notes on the numbered symphonies (I have never been an admirer of Manfred or the Capriccio Italien and so will withhold comment):

No. 1. Superb; a magnificent introduction to the cycle. Jansons' performance has all the delicate poetry and high drama one could want but shows the piece to be structurally more sound than critics have been able to notice for as long as it's been written about.

No. 2. To my ears, the first movement of this finest of Tchaikovsky's early symphonies is the only disappointment in the cycle: it simply lacks the requisite sense of tension. The middle movements (especially the second), however, are superb, and the finale again combines strength and poetry in just the right degree.

No. 3. Thrilling and irresistable, my favorite of the canonic six (and the symphony generally believed to be Tchaikovsky's weakest) literally lifted me out of my seat. Jansons' performance highlights the work's affinities to the baroque suite with a faster-than-usual second movement. The third movement has never sounded so deeply moving.

No. 4. Perhaps a tad more straightforward in the first two movements than I would like, this is, still, probably Tchaikovsky's symphonic masterpiece and here sounds it in every bar. The finale's coda generates enormous excitement without sounding hysterical; quite a feat!

No. 5. A now-legendary performance, this one just seems absolutely "right" in all its particulars: dark and brooding in the first movement, simple and touching in the second and third, and joyous in the finale where Jansons somehow manages to cap everything that came before it and make the piece an organic whole.

No. 6. Until I heard this interpretation, I'd never understood the Pathetique (and I began by writing a term paper on it in college): it's not a piece about loss or suffering, but emotional numbness. The closing bars in this performance left a chill that I absolutely could not forget. A major statement.

Product Description

CD 1 Symphony No.1 in G Minor Op.13 "Winter Daydreams" Symphony No.3 in D Major Op.29 Total time 72:28 CD 2 Symphony No.3 in D Major Op.29 Symphony No.5 in E Minor Op.64 Total time 62:55 CD 3 Symphony No.2 in C Minor Op.17 "Little Russian" Symphony No.4 in F Minor Op.36 Total time 74:29 CD 4 Symphony No.6 in B Minor Op.74 "Pathetique" Total time 45:51 Recorded: 1967 USSR Symphony Orchestra Conductor - Evgeny Svetlanov

Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

Average customer rating:

Waiting.... Waiting.... Waiting....
Wonderful
Surprisingly exciting bargin
An Honor to be First To Review this Amazing Bargain!

Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Antoni Wit , Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra , and Bernd Glemser
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Mendelssohn: The Complete Symphonies & String Symphonies
Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Chopin: The Piano Works
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies
Schubert: 8 Symphonies

ASIN: B00005QISI
Release Date: 2002-02-19

Tracks:

Allegro Tranquillo
Adagio Cantabile Ma Non Tanto
Scherzo: Allegro Scherzando Giocoso
Finale: Andante Lugubre
Hamlet

Tracks:

Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Vivo
Andantino Marziale Quasi Moderato
Scherzo: Allegro Molto Vivace
Finale: Moderato Assai - Presto
Andante Sostenuto - Moderato Con Anima
Andantino In Modo Di Canzona
Scherzo: Pizzicato Ostinato - Allegro
Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco

Tracks:

Introduzione E Allegro
Alla Tedesca: Allegro Moderato E Semplice
Andante Elegiaco
Scherzo: Allegro Vivo
Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
The Tempest

Tracks:

Andante - Allegro Con Anima
Andante Cantabile, Con Alcuna Licenza
Valse: Allegro Moderato
Finale: Andante Maestoso - Allegro Vivo
The Storm

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro Non Troppo
Allegro Con Grazia
Allegro Molto Vivace
Finale: Adagio Lamentoso - Andante
Francesca Da Rimini, Symphonic Fantasia

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo E Molto Maestoso - Allegro Con Spirito
Andantino Semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo 1
Allegro Con Fuoco
Allegro Brillante
Andante
Allegro Maestoso

Tracks:

Allegro Brillante
Andante Non Troppo
Allegro Con Fuoco
Quasi Rondo
Contrastes

Customer Reviews:

Waiting.... Waiting.... Waiting...........2005-06-22

I gave this box set 5 stars because a friend has it, and I've heard his copy. I've not yet received my own copy. If there were a way to rate Amazon, I'd give them 0 stars. "Usually ships in 2-3 days" was the estimate when I ordered this on April 30th. The estimate now, on June 22nd, is "Usually ships in 7-11 days", and my estimated delivery date has become "July 26th - August 15th". Amazon sure has a unique definition for "2-3 days".

Wonderful.......2005-03-18

All great performances, so much music, and extra pieces are very well chosen. The sound quality is very good. Highly recommended.

Surprisingly exciting bargin.......2004-10-07

This slimline box set from the Naxos white label edition offers very compelling performances of all the symphonies, overtures, piano concertos, the Rimini fantasy and concert fantasia--plus two delightful posthumous pieces for piano and orchestra. Don't let the price fool you--although it is an incredible bargin. This is top notch stuff. The Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Wit, Leaper and Glemser nail this material pretty consistently. And the recording is excellent. A most pleasant surprise and highly recommended.

An Honor to be First To Review this Amazing Bargain!.......2003-05-13

Okay, I'm JUST NOW hearing the final movement of the 6th Symphony, having heard Symphonies 1-5, the first 3 movements of the 6th and all the Piano Concertos & Overtures from this magnificent box set. The playing throughout this set is simply beautiful. If I were writing this ONLY to tell you that this is a STEAL of a DEAL, because of the bargain price, that would be ONE thing. Rather, I am stunned to say that I find this set perhaps preferable to all others I have heard -- ... I have purchased about all of the sets available and this set is FAR AND AWAY my preference over the highly-rated (and why?), .... Antoni Wit hits every Tchaikovskian nuance with exactly what it requires, as masterfully as any conductor ever has. Having compared lessor-known orchestras with the Vienna Philharmonic (etc.) before, I was not expecting the glorious sound that comes from the Polish National Radio Symphony. This playing is as good as it gets -- nothing compromised here. Incidentally, the last movement to the 6th Symphony just ended and -- dispite having heard this work TOO MANY TIMES -- Antoni Wit has given me a thrill up the spine that I have not gotten from this ghostly finale from any recording in memory. Even if you, like I, "already have the best recording" of this music -- I recommend you buy this. You won't be disappointed. His tempi are right on (never "too fast" here for effect, or "milk this" there for a bit of romantic indulgence), but he makes them absolutely work. The Overtures are, in some cases, the best on CD (and I do believe I have heard most of the other recordings). The pianist, Bernd Glemser made me smile several times at the skill and musicality he brought to the 2nd Piano Concerto, and his performances of Nos. 1 & 3 -- if not the best ever recorded -- are certainly without fault. I have actually heard the Concert Fantasy, a rare work for piano & orchestra, many, many times, and I don't think I would be far from correct to recommend this as the best version on CD as well. There is not a thing in this set that doesn't work, gloriously. Francesca da Rimini is thrilling and superbly well executed. It is difficult to find a comparable recording, despite the competition there also. In short (too late), this box is too good to be true, and belongs in every collection of classical music. Unbelievable!

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Far From Over

Haydn: Symphony No. 85 'Reine'/Symphony No. 86

Good [CD-single]

Boss Tenors: Straight Ahead from Chicago 1961

Bent [CD-single] [Import]

Hits

Hair (Deluxe Edition) (1968 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording] [Collector's Edition] [Extra tracks] [Original recording remastered]

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 96, 100, 103

Girl With A Smile

Ghostdance [Soundtrack]

Hank Mobley Sextet [Original recording remastered] [Import]

Enamorada de Ti [Import]

Latin Music: 1 + 1 = 3

Fine Brown Frame

Time Brings About a Change - A Floyd Dixon Celebration

1. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
2. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
3. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
4. Symphony No.1 In G Minor, Op.13 "Winter Dream"
5. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
6. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
7. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
8. Symphony No.2 In C Minor, Op.17 "Little Russia"
9. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
10. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
11. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
12. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
13. Symphony No.3 In D Major, Op.29 "Polish"
14. Romeo & Juliet
15. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
16. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
17. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
18. Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op.36
19. Francesca Da Rimini, Op.32
20. Symphony No.5 In E Minor, Op.64