Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Adrian Leaper, Polish Radio and Television National Symphony Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1; Hamlet Overture

A fine reading of recent years

jhorro | VA | 06/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first recording of this work was from the 70s with Mehta in Los Angeles. I admired that version for its brilliance and tangibility common to recordings from that conductor and venue. This Naxos issue was the opposite. A spacious view with plush textures. Personally, I prefer the taut readings of this work. The orchestra plays superbly, the acoustic giving them a luster not far from Berlin. Already a bargain, this CD is worth checking out if you want the symphony."

A Work That Shows Us What Is Yet To Come

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 09/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I remember reading in an older commentary on Tchaikovsky's symphonies, that the quality of the symphony corresponded with the number, the sixth being the greatest and the first being inferior. While most would agree that the fifth and sixth symphonies are the work of a master, all of his symphonies have something to offer the listener and the earlier symphonies contain unexpected jewels that are characteristic of the best Tchaikovsky has to offer. Tchaikovsky's First Symphony is a hidden gem. It has all the qualities associated with the composer and shows the promise of the glory we find in his later works.



The National Orchestra of Polish radio and Television may not be a household name, but it is an ensemble that seems to be familiar with Tchaikovsy's music and performs the music gloriously. The recording also contains a performance of the Hamlet Overture, an interesting piece though not as exciting as the composer's more famous musical rendition of a Shakespearean work (Romeo and Juliet). It too seems to be performed well, but it is the only recording I have of this work so I cannot judge it against others as I can the First Symphony. Like most Naxos recordings, it is well worth the low price and once again, the label delivers quality at a more than reasonable price.

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Astounding slow movement

HB | Fort Mill, SC | 03/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Tchaikovsky 1st is rarely played in concert and that is a real shame. It is a magnificent work, especially the slow movement, where the french horns take over about half way through. If the orchestra does not have a great horn section, this great music simply sounds dull. But the Polish orchestra has a sensational group of horn players and they do their job perfectly. I sure wish music directors would stop playing the last three Tchaikovsky symphonies so often. The first three and Manfred as just as good, in my humble opinion. The Hamlet Overture, on the other hand, is not really good Tchaikovsky but it is a worth a listen."