Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 Mikhail Pletnev

• 1 I. Andante sostenuto - Allegro vivo 11:01
• 2 II. Andante marziale, quasi moderato 06:24
• 3 III. Scherzo and Trio: Allegro molto vivace 05:14
• 4 IV. Finale Moderato assai: Allegro vivo 09:25
• 5 I. Andante sostenuto - Allegro comodo - Andante sostenuto (original 1872 version) 16:04
• Total Runtime 48:08

Info for Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2

This is the fifth release in this very well received Tchaikovsky cycle. It includes the original first movement from 1872. Due to the extreme popularity of Tchaikovsky's Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth symphonies, his earlier, less dramatic symphonies have been more or less eclipsed, and though there are certainly recordings available, they are usually overlooked by newcomers.

“I doubt that there is a more articulate performance to be found at the present time. Pristine of texture and lithe of rhythm, the quality of the playing and engineering acts like a steam clean on the piece. The beauty and agility of the woodwind-playing alone is a joy...Pletnev and his band dispatch [the] finale with a keenness which keeps the bombast at bay...I don't think I've ever heard the final pages sound more exciting” (Gramophone Magazine)

“Here [Pletnev] presents not only the standard version, but also the first movement in its original form, which several of Tchaikovsky's colleagues thought far superior to the revised version...Pletnev's performance of this with the Russian National Orchestra is far more polished than the only other recording.” (BBC Music Magazine)

Russian National Orchestra
Mikhail Pletnev, conductor

No biography found.

Booklet for Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2