Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48 & Other Works United Strings of Europe & Julian Azkoul

• Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893): Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48:
• 1 Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48: I. Pezzo in forma di sonatina 09:38
• 2 Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48: II. Valse 03:44
• 3 Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48: III. Elegia 09:04
• 4 Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48: IV. Finale (Tema russo) 07:20
• String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11, TH 111 (Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble):
• 5 Tchaikovsky: String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11, TH 111 (Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble): II. Andante cantabile 06:43
• Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70, TH 118 (Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble):
• 6 Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70, TH 118 (Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble): I. Allegro con spirito 10:55
• 7 Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70, TH 118 (Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble): II. Adagio cantabile e con moto 10:35
• 8 Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70, TH 118 (Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble): III. Allegretto moderato 06:21
• 9 Tchaikovsky: Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70, TH 118 (Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble): IV. Allegro con brio e vivace 07:05
• At Bedtime, TH 70 (1941 Version) [Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble]:
• 10 Tchaikovsky: At Bedtime, TH 70 (1941 Version) [Arr. J. Azkoul for String Ensemble] 04:39
• Total Runtime 01:16:04

Info for Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48 & Other Works

After two stylistically diverse anthologies – In Motion and Renewal – the United Strings of Europe and their director Julian Azkoul have chosen to devote their latest project to a single composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. They open with the composer’s Serenade, a tribute to Mozart’s divertimentos, but infused with Tchaikovsky’s characteristic pathos and melancholy. It is one of his most popular works, with the especially beloved Waltz as its second movement, and a finale featuring Russian folk songs.

The other works included on this recording are arrangements tailor-made for the ensemble by Julian Azkoul. Andante cantabile, the slow movement of Tchaikovsky’s First String Quartet, is a piece of great emotional power, based on an old folk song which Tchaikovsky reportedly heard in the Ukrainian town of Kamenka. Composed following a stay in Florence, the Sextet is brooding in temperament and despite its title arguably more Russian than Italian in character. Like the Serenade, it makes use of classical forms and devices but also includes passages evoking traditional Russian music. After completing the work, Tchaikovsky – who was otherwise his own harshest critic – wrote: ‘it’s frightening to see how pleased I am with myself’. The album closes with At Bedtime, an early composition for mixed choir with a meditative quality reminiscent of Eastern Orthodox chant that lends itself well to the string orchestra textures.

United Strings of Europe
Julian Azkoul, director

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Booklet for Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48 & Other Works