My Favorite
Darryl Roberson | Dallas, Texas | 02/11/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have owned several versions of one or more of these symphonies, and this great set by Dorati is by far my favorite. After listening to Jansons, Abbado, Thomas, and Markevitch, all of which are VERY good, I came to Dorati. Everything about the interpretation, playing, and recording was right for me. The interpretation was exciting and idiomatic; the orchestra played with the precision of Cleveland; and the recording was as Fine as I could expect.I haven't time to go into more detail here. So I say for the benefit of those who haven't found their set of early Tchaik symphonies, go for Dorati."
The very best young Tchaikovsky ever!
TchaikJP | Houston, TX United States | 12/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Tchaikovsky was always Tchaikovsky. He wasn't a horrible composer that one day wrote a 4th symphony and 1812 overture that matured him into a raging, popular, great composer. On the contrary, Tchaikovksy's love for melodies, his intricate orchestrations and wide array of colors, moods, expression, and drama (less extreme drama in these cases) all were apparent from the begging. These symphonies are just as good as the last three, only neglected for there simplicity, naturally easy charm, and "contemptable Fluidity" (is that a BAD thing??). The person who can really enjoy these is the person who really appreciates Tchaikovsky. Also, Dorati handles the music well giving the spark of bubbling young blood that Tchaikovsky wrote with, and adding precision, life, vivaciousness to the music as Tchaikovsky intended and as most conductors don't understand enough to do. This is worth the money- Mercury/Dorati/Tchaikovsky- can't go wrong with that combination."
Great symphonies and recording
D. Bennett | Los Angeles, CA USA | 11/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As an audio nut, I was a little concerned ordering a recording made before I was born. Yes, there is a significant amount of tape hiss (by today's standards). Yes, there is some high frequency roll off. BUT the overall tone of this CD is VERY WARM and VERY MUSICAL! Digital is great, but analog often is better in some things and this older recording shines!"