Gürzenich-Orchester Köln, Dmitri Kitajenko - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 1, "Winter Daydreams" - The Snow Maiden (2012)

Tracklist

01. Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13 "Winter Daydreams": I. Allegro tranquillo (Dreams of a Winter Journey)
02. Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13 "Winter Daydreams": II. Adagio cantabile ma non tanto (Land of Desolation, Land of Mists)
03. Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13 "Winter Daydreams": III. Scherzo. Allegro scherzando giocoso
04. Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13 "Winter Daydreams": IV. Finale. Andante lugubre - Allegro maestoso
05. The Snow Maiden, Op. 12, Prologue: Introduction
06. The Snow Maiden, Op. 12, Act II: Melodrama
07. The Snow Maiden, Op. 12, Act III: Dance of the Tumblers



Regarded by the excessively self-critical Tchaikovsky as inferior to his last three symphonies, and neglected by conductors for many decades, the Symphony No. 1 in G minor, "Winter Dreams," is nonetheless increasing in popularity today, thanks to its highly memorable melodies, atmospheric orchestration, and poignant scene painting. Recordings of this intensely evocative and passionate work are plentiful, and it is now well-represented on hybrid SACDs, of which this Oehms release is an excellent example. Dmitri Kitayenko and the Gürzenich Orchestra of Cologne deliver a marvelously clear and colorful performance that captures all the details of the score with crisp sound and open dimensions, yet also shines with radiant playing and expressive warmth. To round out the package, three excerpts from Tchaikovsky's incidental music to The Snow Maiden are provided, and the musicians give these pieces the same commitment and enthusiasm accorded to the symphony.

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