Tchaikovsky: Symphony 6 Pathetique

The Philadelphia Orchestra and Music Director Christoph Eschenbach continue a celebrated series of hybrid SACD recordings with their third Tchaikovsky release to combine well-known symphonic works and rarely encountered piano music. One of Tchaikovsky's most important and best-selling orchestral works, the Symphony No. 6 "Pathétique" was composed in the last year of his life (1893), and is forever associated with the tragedy of his untimely death. Filling out the recording, Eschenbach performs on piano the seldomheard Dumka (Scenes from a Russian Village), making this unusual coupling a unique release. The Philadelphia Orchestra has always had a special relationship with the music of Tchaikovsky, extending back to its earliest days under such legendary maestros as Stokowski and Ormandy. The magic is as strong as ever in their partnership with Christoph Eschenbach. Enthusiastic press greeted the release of their Tchaikovsky Fourth and Fifth Symphonies, each coupled with half of the piano cycle The magnificent "Philadelphia Sound" in concert is captured as never before using the finest SACD recording technology, for a product that can be played back in SACD surround, SACD stereo or CD stereo. The six previous hybrid SACD releases by the "formidable Ondine-Eschenbach-Philadelphia partnership" (Gramophone)which began in 2005, have been honored with accolades including BBC Music Magazine's Disc of the Month, Gramophone's "Editor's Choice," The New York Times' "Top Ten Recordings of the Year," and the German Record Critics' Award, among others. Album Description

Good, but not perfect

I have all of Eschenbach and PO's Tchaikovsky Symphonies. While he hits the fifth out of the ball-park, this one is less well done. Some of the emotional power seems off. In addition, it seems that the style the PO uses doesn't mesh well with the text and what Tchaikovsky was trying to do. The recording quality also doesn't help things. I know this is a SACD, but it doesn't "feel" as if it reaches quite that level. However, it is otherwise very well done and for that reason it gets four stars. September 26, 2008

Excellent performance and recording

I have not traditionally been much of a Tchaikovsky fan given my penchant for composers like Mahler, R. Strauss, and Bruckner. But, this recording has changed my perception. The recording is stellar in SACD, but I don't know about surround sound given that I only listen through 2 channels. The performance, in my opinion, is also stellar.

If you like excellent SACD recordings and wonderful performances, you can't miss with this one. The only caveat I can even fathom is that traditional Tchaikovsky fans might not like the conductor's interpretation. That is, the performance is dynamic, intense, and dark if anything compared to other Tchaikovsky 6 recordings. Although I don't hate other versions (i.e., Bernstein's DG digital Tchaikovsky 6), every time I listen to one (with the exception of the one I'm recommended here) I get this kind of 'syrupy' feeling in parts of the symphony. I'll start to become immersed in the symphony and then the performance just becomes a bit too sweet for me. This recording is different. I don't know if it is a Germanic influence as indicated by another reviewer or if this symphony is really darker than I thought.

All said, I highly recommend this disc without reservation. Buy it and you won't be sorry.
September 16, 2008

Magnificent!

Casting one's eyes at the veritable glut of performances listed of Tchaikovsky's "Pathétique" makes one wonder what could still be said that hasn't been said before, and yet...and yet...guess what? Eschenbach and his orchestra bring something new to the table.

Instead of trying to be more Russian than the Russians, or more visceral than Dudamel and the over-the-top school might have it, Eschenbach and his fabulous orchestra perform this great symphony as if it were straight out of the German/Brahms romantic school: with poise and seamless majesty, and IT WORKS!

Ladies and gentlemen: You should hear this. It is a beautiful and moving experience and the SACD recording process plays an important part in allowing us to hear this Brahmsian approach, convincing us that this symphony has qualities that we never quite realized before.

Give yourself a surprising treat: listen to this recording. Believe it or not, it's something else! June 26, 2008

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