Best of Tchaikovsky

Advantages: Great passion, beautiful melodies, unrestrained romanticism
Disadvantages: The finale doesn't quite convince in it's purpose

...the finale. In the Fourth there was a distinct programme that made such a transition work, as if in a collection of paintings viewed one after the other. The Fifth however is much more vague in its overall imagery (after all the programme set out by Tchaikovsky was far from being detailed). A happy victory ending in itself, of course, is not the reason it sounds a little fake, but the abrupt E major opening without any kind of preparation is not very convincing. Even Beethoven in his Fifth Symphony built the glorious C major explosion out of the dark ruminations of the previous Scherzo, making it sound like a natural outgrowth of triumph. Still, Tchaikovsky's Fifth is very romantic, melodic, exciting, and authentic Tchaikovsky. It's not his best, but it sure is enjoyable MOVEMENT BY MOVEMENT ANALYSIS I. Andante - Allegro con anima The symphony... Read review

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Advantages: Very exciting and powerful piece of emotional hysteria
Disadvantages: If you're obsessed with classical form and beauty, then this might just be too much

...took place on October 22, 1878 in Moscow under the direction of Nikolai Rubinstein. The dedication reads "To my best friend," meaning Madame von Meck. THE FOURTH SYMPHONY, A COMPOSER'S CONFESSION (The quotes at the head of each movement is a translation of the program Tchaikovsky made for Madame von Meck. These are followed by my own short-hand analysis.) I. Andante sostenuto - Moderato con anima, in movimento di valse - Moderato assai, quasi andante - Allegro vivo "The introduction is the core of the whole symphony. The main thought, that first appears in the trumpets and then in the French horn, depicts Fate, that malign power which hinders our pursuit of happiness from gaining the goal; that the sky is not free from clouds - a might that constantly swings over head like the sword of Damokles; that continually poisons the soul... Read review

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Advantages: Everything you could ever want from a classical CD
Disadvantages: none

...Beethoven 5. Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra in A Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 6. Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E minor Composed by Sir Edward Elgar 7. Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov 8. Concierto de Aranjuez Composed by Joaquín Rodrigo 9. Swan Lake Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky 10. Symphony No. 9, "From the New World" in E minor Composed by Antonín Dvorák 11. Variations on an Original Theme, 'Enigma' Composed by Sir Edward Elgar 12. Sonata for Piano No. 14, 'Moonlight' in C sharp minor Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven 13. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in C minor Composed by Sergey Rachmaninov 14. Adagio for Strings Composed by Samuel Barber 15. Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 21, "Elvira M in C Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 16... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful