Charles Munch - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique" (1948) [2005]

"The Pathetique is the one symphonic work in which Tchaikovsky solved his own formal problem on a really large scale. Success in performance of this very neurasthenic music depends on the extent to which the conductor suppresses the natural temptation to over-dramatise it. Rational tempi, an iron control of rhythm (especially in the third movement), and a certain broadness in the treatment of the themes, are minimum requirements without which the symphony falls to bits."


So wrote the authors of the 1951 Record Guide. Never ones to be held back in their opinions by mundane consistency, just one year later they criticised this recording, as follows: "We are not too enthusiastic about Munch's reading of this symphony, for he does his best to tone down the hysteria which is fundamental to the music." Well in our opinion, somewhat less hysteria is to be welcomed compared with some performances we could name; and here we certainly have a well controlled reading with a very pronounced 'French' orchestral tonality both of which to our taste suit the work better than teutonic Sturm und Drang and wild-haired conducting.


Tracks:

1. I. Adagio - Allegro non troppo
2. II. Allegro con grazia
3. III. Allegro molto vivace
4. IV. Finale - Adagio lamentoso

Personnel:

L'Orchestre de la Societé des Concerts du Conservatoire de Paris
Conducted by Charles Münch