Search - Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Constantine Orbelian, Moscow Chamber Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings, The Seasons / Orbelian, Moscow Chamber Orc.

An Excellent Recording of the Orchestrated "Seasons"

John R. Blackburn Jr. | Santa Clara, CA USA | 04/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The "Serenade for Strings", while well presented here, is available on other recordings (try the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra's 1987 release on DG for perhaps the best). No, it is the orchestrated presentation of Tchaikovsky's "The Seasons" here that makes this CD something very special. Originally written for solo piano in 1876, it was artfully arranged for symphony orchestra by Alexander Gauk in 1942 in a style very befitting the original composer's intent. These twelve miniatures are wonderfully rendered by Orbelian and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra to capture Tchaikovky's deep connection with nature, Mother Russia, and her folk traditions. Many, including the gentle "Barcolla," will be familiar. But I've never heard a better recorded and performed orchestral adaptation before. Excellent in all respects."

Good Serenade, wonderful Seasons

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 03/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is a very nice offering from Delos of Tchaikovksy's (DE 3255) with Constantine Orbelian conducting the Moscow Chamber Orchestra. I confess I have heard the Serenade played with a bit more elegance than here, although the charming Waltz is as delightful as ever. But the big selling point is the orchestrated version arranged by Alexander Gauk (with "discreet modifications" by the conductor) of "The Seasons." Those of who know the "Seasons" only in its original piano version will be delighted with how lovely it sounds with full orchestration. Each of the 12 movements (why did the composer not call it "The Months"?) is titled by month and symbol--such as "July: The Mower's Song"--and the booklet thoughtfully gives not only an analysis of each one but gives a dozen quotations from Russian authors to set the mood for each movement. I read elsewhere that a publisher had commissioned Tchaikovsky to contribute a movement each month, for which the composer asked someone to remind him every 30 days that a new one was due! You would never know this from the result, however. The "Barcarole" for June, an andante cantabile to be sure, has detached itself from the series and become quite popular among pianists. But hear the whole work and you will add it to your favorites."