TCHAIKOVSKY: Dances and Overtures

Kuchar, Theodore;
Ukrainian State Symphony Orchestra

8.554845

A fascinating disc containing much unknown Tchaikovsky, opening with the historic Overture to The Queen of Spades, followed by the even more melodramatic early symphonic poem, Fatum, 1868, which Tchaikovsky later destroyed and which was reassembled only after his death. What redeems both works is the undeniably Tchaikovsky lyrical inspiration, and the characteristic scoring. The same comments might apply to the Voyevoda Overture, written in the same year as Fatum and belonging to the one opera the composer destroyed. The other operas had greater or lesser success. The Maid of Orlean has now been recorded, and we know it contains some fine music. The excerpts here are attractive, as is the Cossack Dance from Cherevichki which, like the similar dance from Mazeppa, is the one familiar item. Performances are first class, full of Russian vitality, and the recording most vivid. An unmissable bargain for keen Tchaikovkians.• Penguin Guide, January 2009

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

14-03-2006

636943484524

ClassicsToday.com: 'Disc of the Month' (2011)