Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: Symphonies 4, 5 & 6

Tchaikovsky with passion but also with personal slackness

Kromme | 08/30/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Tchaikovsky's last 3 symphonies are three of the most recorded symphonies with a lot superlative accounts.Here we have Herbert von Karajan who was never a conductor of magnificent reputation on Tchaikovsky but kept recording his works.



The great opening movement of the 4th symphony is consisted of high drama. Tragedy and happiness keeps coming one after another in this symphonic poem-like movement and Karajan though little too heavy-handed to catch the happy mood,makes listener feel tragedy to the utmost and builds the drama very well.Especially just before finale of the movement he builds the climax so well:A great mix of mystery and hope but when the finale begins he suddenly slows down,cools off perfectly managing to destroy the greatness he has achieved and then stats to bombard listeners ears,makes one run for his/her ears health.The slow movement as usually case with Karajan under-interpreted he seems to be not caring about slow movements.Third movement however includes a perfectly played pizzicato and a wonderful build-up to the triumphant finale.Finale is good but Karajan again seems a bit heavy-handed for such a joyful finish.



Fifth is the highlight of this set.Karajan begins with a slow opening worrying the listener however catches the fire a little later.With fury and passion and magnificent playing Karajan and Berliners puts up a great movement.2nd and Valse are beautiful.Finale is energetic and perfectly-played.



Pathetique the worst of all.Sloppy first movement.Fury is lacking.2nd movement is rushed.Third movements joy is lost.The contrast between the moods of 3rd and 4th movements is non-existent.



In conclusion;interpretationally these are three star performances however excellent playing and Karajan's passion and commitment(rare qualities for this pop-icon of classical music who was in reality an extremely gifted musician) makes this set worthy of an additional star.For definitive Tchaikovsky however Jansons and Mravinsky are way better choices."