COMPOSERS: Tchaikovsky
LABELS: Naxos
WORKS: Suite No. 1 in D; Suite No. 2 in C
PERFORMER: National SO of Ireland/Stefan Sanderling
CATALOGUE NO: 8.550644 DDD
Tchaikovsky's orchestral suites, written between his Fourth and Fifth symphonies, are substantial though variable in quality. Of the two here, the First is a less diffuse and less garrulous assemblage than the Second; in both, weightier movements that aspire to fugue on occasion are interspersed with salon pieces. They need more affectionate conducting and more polished playing than they receive on this release. Dull, middle-rangey sound, with a murky bass and a lack of brightness at the top. George Hall
Tchaikovsky: Suite No. 1 in D; Suite No. 2 in C
Tchaikovsky's orchestral suites, written between his Fourth and Fifth symphonies, are substantial though variable in quality. Of the two here, the First is a less diffuse and less garrulous assemblage than the Second; in both, weightier movements that aspire to fugue on occasion are interspersed with salon pieces. They need more affectionate conducting and more polished playing than they receive on this release. Dull, middle-rangey sound, with a murky bass and a lack of brightness at the top. George Hall
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:47 pm