Search - San Francisco Symphony :: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4

A Great Interpretation.....

Andrew Simco | Morris, IL, USA | 05/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second of the Tchaikovsky symphonies to be recorded in this cycle. The first was the Fifth Symphony, recorded in January 1984 and released on Chandos in the autumn of that same year. The Fourth was recorded in November 1984 and it remains my all-time favorite recording of the symphony. Having studied under and observed the legendary Evgenij Mavrinskij,whose manic interpretations of the last three symphonies are legendary, Jansons manages to capture much of that fire, yet keeps it from getting out of control. This has always been one of his great strengths,and it shines through here.The first movement is full of power and authority and it never falters. Jansons carries you with him every step of the way. Not a boring moment in it. The inner movements are also convincing. The solo oboe in the second movement is exquisite. The third movement is superb, a real tour de force for the plucked strings, and kudos to piccolo soloist Andrew Cunningham for a stunning performance! The finale is UNBELIEVABLE! Here is the Mvravinskij mania at work. While keeping it under control, Jansons plays the movement for all it is worth! The coda makes one literally leap from one's chair with excitement. The Oslo Philharmonic was just beginning its climb to international status when they made this recording, and this performance is an excellent example of just what they had to give and why they were (and are) special! Thanks to Mariss Janons and the OPO for a truly magnificent interpretation of a great symphony!"

A Tchaikovsky Fourth To Live With

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 09/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's hard for me to imagine why anyone would not enjoy this performance by Mariss Jansons. Things are very nicely balanced, and there is a fine sense of excitement, clarity and color. Additionally, the sound captured by the Chandos recording crew must be credited for helping to make this performance so enjoyable. The fact that there is less than 42 minutes on this CD doesn't concern me. You can have nearly double that much time on some discs, but not get half the fulfillment this recording provides. Finally, there's the marvelous execution of the Oslo Philharmonic. Since I had rarely heard this orchestra before and had prejudged it as a "fair" collective instrument, I was surprised---no, gratified by its stunning presentation. I was looking for a Tchaikovsky Fourth I could happily live with. For now, at least, I have found it. Highly recommended.



Postscript: I recently listened several more times to this Jansons Tchaikovsky Fourth. It reconfirms the message of my review. This is an extremely solid, musical, well balanced performance. As of the beginning of 2005, still my top choice for this symphony."

Jansons' Tchaikovsky is the best.....

Ytzan | Athens, GR | 06/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have not heard a better version of this Symphony. Mariss Jansons and the Oslo Philarmonic have worked miracles. All movements are simply amazing but the power of the finale is of another world - Allegro con fuoco indeed. I suppose I don't have to say anything about the Chandos sound that won't let down even the most demanding. This whole cycle, although a bit expensive, deserves its place in every collection."