Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5; Slavonic March (1997)

Arte Nova is known for producing respectable recordings that are affordable, and this 1995 traversal of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, by Samuel Friedmann and the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra reinforces that positive reputation. One may quibble over particular aspects of the performance, such as Friedmann's abundant rubato and his sudden shifts in tempo, the slight imbalance of the woodwinds in relation to the strings, and the occasional shifting focus of the mixing, but all in all, this is ... Read More

Arte Nova is known for producing respectable recordings that are affordable, and this 1995 traversal of Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, by Samuel Friedmann and the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra reinforces that positive reputation. One may quibble over particular aspects of the performance, such as Friedmann's abundant rubato and his sudden shifts in tempo, the slight imbalance of the woodwinds in relation to the strings, and the occasional shifting focus of the mixing, but all in all, this is still a highly enjoyable rendition that most budget-conscious listeners will happily accept. The brooding quality of this symphony comes through quite clearly, as well as its yearning lyricism and volatile passion, and the music is expressively played -- note the Russian style of vibrato in the horn solo in the Andante cantabile -- and sustained at a high emotional level. The CD is rounded out with stirring performances of Tchaikovsky's Slavonic March, Op. 31, and the... Read Less