Symphony No. 6 in B minor ('Pathétique'), Op. 74: Adagio - Allegro non troppo
Symphony No. 6 in B minor ('Pathétique'), Op. 74: Allegro con grazia
Symphony No. 6 in B minor ('Pathétique'), Op. 74: Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 6 in B minor ('Pathétique'), Op. 74: Finale, Adagio lamentoso
Capriccio Italien, for orchestra (or piano, 4 hands), Op. 45
Eugene Onegin, opera, Op. 24: Act II, Scene 1: Waltz
Eugene Onegin, opera, Op. 24: Act III, Scene 1: Polonaise
A standout version of the Pathetique, one that millions of music lovers grew up on. This classic performance, featuring the incomparable Philadelphia strings, has been lovingly transferred to CD in excellent remastered ... more »sound, and is available at a budget price. There's really nothing more to be said. Eugene Ormandy was one of the 20th century's most passionate advocates of the composer, and his orchestra was without peer in this music at the time this recording was made. Essential. --David Hurwitz« less
A standout version of the Pathetique, one that millions of music lovers grew up on. This classic performance, featuring the incomparable Philadelphia strings, has been lovingly transferred to CD in excellent remastered sound, and is available at a budget price. There's really nothing more to be said. Eugene Ormandy was one of the 20th century's most passionate advocates of the composer, and his orchestra was without peer in this music at the time this recording was made. Essential. --David Hurwitz
"I already had one other set of Tchaikovsky's last three symphonies before, but then, I got hooked on Eugene Ormandy's recordings, especially the 5th and the "Pathetique." Before I got this CD, I had only played this symphony occasionally. But now, I have a performance that has intrigued me. There's just something about this CD that makes me want to listen to it over and over again. Maybe it's the excellent Philadelphia string section (a hallmark of the Ormandy years). Maybe it's the anxiety of owning a new CD. Or maybe it's the good feelings I get after listening to anything by Tchaikovsky. Certainly, those snobs who dislike Tchaikovsky will probably hate Ormandy after hearing this performance. Ah, who cares?Certainly, any tape hiss may be present, as is the case with any classic recording, but after a few minutes, you won't even notice because you'll be captivated by this performance. Also, the Capriccio Italien and the two selections from Eugene Onegin make nice fillers on this CD, priced under $10. A steal."
Marvelous
Michael Newberry | Santa Monica | 12/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is simply a marvel. Ormandy conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra with incredible pathos. The concept is hugely romantic, the melodies and passion really come through. But there is more to this performance than emotional accents; Ormandy keeps a Bach-like eye for the big structure of the symphony. Each section is beautifully molded, equally the lilting balletic movement next to the big fanfare of the 3rd movement. The last movement is pathetic but with a grandeur and integrity that is heart wrenching.The sound is good for a 1960 recording. The fillers are also excellently played."
No gooey sentimentality or unbridled hysteria here.
John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 07/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I obtained this CD recently and listened, for the first time, to the much-praised performance of the "Pathétique", recorded at the Broadwood Hotel, Philadelphia on one day in 1960. Perhaps the best recommendation that I can give is to report that I immediately wanted to play it all over again. Anyone reading this will know that recordings of the "Pathétique" do not usually produce this effect. The usual 45 minutes of gooey sentimentality mixed with hysteria can leave the listener exhausted. Not so with this performance! There is drama aplenty, especially in the middle section of the first movement, and excitement in the march movement, but overall there is steadiness and control. The music is left to speak for itself. The orchestra plays with perfect ensemble, and the recording quality is excellent. The symphony is coupled with other Tchaikovky items, recorded in the mid-1960s, providing 75 minutes of great value."
Ormandy's best Tchaikovsky "Pathetique" Symphony recording
Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 08/16/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Most listeners are aware that Ormandy recorded Tchaikovsky's 6th "Pathetique" Symphony at least 4 times in his career: in the late 1930s shortly after becoming Music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, now available on a Biddulph release available in England; this recording, ca. 1960, for Columbia; in 1969 for RCA; and in 1981 for Delos. This is without a doubt the best recording of this work Ormandy made. The early stereo sound is superior to the 1981 Delos, and not at all inferior to RCA's. And, Ormandy, a seasoned conductor in his early 60s when this was made, had faster tempos and more excitement than in the later recordings. He had the experience of 30+ years on the podium, applied in this recording.
For the asking budget price, this disc is a real steal. Ormandy's "Pathetique" is not overwrought with emotion or extremes: it is moderate, and Tchaikovsky's voice speaks for itself in a natural way. The Philadelphia strings really sing, serving the music beautifully. And, you also get a great "Capriccio Italien" and excerpts from "Eugen Onegin" as discmates. You cannot go wrong!"
Ormandy's Tchaikovsky No.6 - well worth hearing
J. Grant | North Carolina, USA | 06/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This recording by Eugene Ormandy of Tchaikovsky's 6th, in my opinion, is inferior only to Furtwangler's great one from 1938. While the two conductors do it in vastly differing styles, they both get their point across quite effectively. The Philadelphia strings are, as always, beyond reproach and the sound is fine for the era."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1
