COMPOSERS: Tchaikovsky
LABELS: Decca
WORKS: Symphony No. 4; Symphony No. 5; Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)
PERFORMER: Philharmonia Orchestra/ Vladimir Ashkenazy
CATALOGUE NO: 443 844-2 ADD/DDD (1978-81)
Vivid transfers of noted Kingsway Hall recordings from the late Seventies – halcyon days, when the LP reigned supreme and the catalogues weren’t deluged by sanitised audiophile encounters with these masterpieces. Ashkenazy’s fervent, quintessentially Russian readings are superb, and the Philharmonia responds magnificently. One could cite more valedictory accounts of the Pathétique, but with a gripping Fourth and triumphant Fifth, plus remarkably detailed sonics, this two-disc package has obvious appeal. Michael Jameson
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4; Symphony No. 5; Symphony No. 6 (Pathétique)
Vivid transfers of noted Kingsway Hall recordings from the late Seventies – halcyon days, when the LP reigned supreme and the catalogues weren’t deluged by sanitised audiophile encounters with these masterpieces. Ashkenazy’s fervent, quintessentially Russian readings are superb, and the Philharmonia responds magnificently. One could cite more valedictory accounts of the Pathétique, but with a gripping Fourth and triumphant Fifth, plus remarkably detailed sonics, this two-disc package has obvious appeal. Michael Jameson
Our rating
3
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm