Symphony No. 4 In F Minor, Op. 36: Andante sostenuto - moderato con anima
Symphony No. 4 In F Minor, Op. 36: Andantino In modo di canzone
Symphony No. 4 In F Minor, Op. 36: Scherzo: pizzicato ostinato - allegro
Symphony No. 4 In F Minor, Op. 36: Finale: Allegro con fuoco (Live Recording)
Symphony No. 4 In F Minor, Op. 36: Romeo And Juliet
Wow, can this orchestra play! If you want a crushing performance of this grandly Romantic symphony, with bellowing brass, thudding drums, and up close and personal digital sound, then this is just the ticket. The same ho... more »lds true for Romeo and Juliet. If there are more physically exciting (but never vulgar) performances of this music around, then I sure haven't heard them. Hot! --David Hurwitz« less
Wow, can this orchestra play! If you want a crushing performance of this grandly Romantic symphony, with bellowing brass, thudding drums, and up close and personal digital sound, then this is just the ticket. The same holds true for Romeo and Juliet. If there are more physically exciting (but never vulgar) performances of this music around, then I sure haven't heard them. Hot! --David Hurwitz
"After Listening to this again I have changed my rating from 2 stars to 1 star. Although the Chicago Symphony is considered one of the "Big 5" american orchestras, this performance is wretched. One reviewer referred to the "thudding timpani"... Yeah, they thud alright, but I think they sound more like if you punch someone in the gut and listen to the sound they make when they cough afterwards. This is not Chicago at their best. Good Chicago= Mahler 6 with Abbado. Good Tchaik. 4 ? Who Knows... I haven't heard a recording to run out and buy yet, but I know its not this one."
Very, very good
04/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, the orchestra can clearly play like hell. On this particular recording, however, they are simply on fire. I must say, however, that I was surprised at how good this recording is: I'm really not much of a Barenboim fan - I think his arrogance is not very well-founded. However, on this recording he leads the orchestra properly to create some thrilling and beautiful music."
Finally
P. Lee | Hicksville, NY USA | 06/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Certainly a Russian composer such as Tchaikovsky should be performed by an Russian orchestra. I have heard so many renditions, by different orchestras, but this interpretation by CSO and Barenboim in my view is the only orchestra that comes close to the Russian spirit of nationalism.
Many will dispute the tempo, and the sluggish manner which Barenboim tend to put orchestras through, but a reminder that this is Russian music, not French. I agree the timp sounds thuddy, and I'm surprised at why Barenboim didn't do something, however I highly suggest you to listen to some of their folksongs and secular music and come to the realization of their music tends to be heavy footed at times, and this version reflects, or comes very close to their music style.
I don't know about you, I wouldn't interpret Debussy with a Brahm's interpretation, just as you don't play works in the style of Romanticism with the style of Classical.
So! this is how the Russians felt..."
Just get it!
P. Lee | 05/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, after reading the last two reviews, I thought it was time that this CD had another positive review. Just what is there to dislike about this CD? This performance is great! David Hurwitz was right on target in his review. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the finest orchestras in the world, and they certainly shine in this recording. The Fourth Symphony is played with hair-raising intensity, and the Romeo and Juliet is simply wonderful. Daniel Barenboim does have his critics, but there is no need to criticize his interpretation here."