Search - Peter Breiner, Takako Nishizaki :: Tchaikovsky: None but the Lonely Heart

Nice Transcriptions of Tchaikovsky's Songs

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 03/18/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky had to be one of the most varied composers in all of classical music. He's primarily known for his symphonic works which include his symphonies, orchestral suites, orchestral works such as "The 1812 Overture," "March Slave," and "Romeo and Juliet" to name a few. This does not include his operas such as EUGENE ONEGIN and PIQUE DAME, and majestic ballet scores such as SWAN LAKE and THE NUTCRACKER Classical music fans may be well aware of his works for larger venues, but may be less familiar with the large number of songs and pieces for piano composed by Tchaikovsky. "None But The Lonely Heart" is probably the best known of Tchaikovsky's songs and it is the title of album of Tchaikovsky's songs arranged for solo violin and orchestra called NONE BUT THE LONELY HEART.While most of the pieces were originally written for solo voice and piano, the arrangements of this collection seem to come alive through the artistry of violinist Takako Nishizaki and the accompaniment of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Peter Breiner. While saying a phrase like "Ms. Nishizaki makes her violin sing," may be cliché, (since these pieces were originally vocal works, it may also be a bad pun), but she does make her violin sing. The pieces have all the melodious characteristics that we associate with Tchaikovsky music, and the orchestrations have the Russian flair Tchaikovsky fans love. NONE BUT THE LONELY HEART has a soothing and calming effect is the perfect recording for relaxation. It is also a great collection to add variety to a classical music collection."