Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 4-6; Romeo & Juliet; Francesca da Rimini; 1812 Overture (CD) by Philadelphia Orchestra, Riccardo Muti (conductor)

5099950943524. New condition. CD. Box sets of Tchaikovsky's symphonies -- in particular the final three symphonies -- abound. So much so that it's easy to get lost in a sea of choices trying to weigh which recording is the best performance for the money. Tchaikovsky's late symphonies have a lot of performance considerations that must be taken into account. They require a string section that is never too bright and is capable of producing dark, ominously rich textures. A powerful, piercing brass section is a must if the fatality of the Fourth Symphony is to deliver the necessary intensity to listeners. Warm, well-balanced wind sections round out the list, with an intense first bassoon and melancholy first clarinet among the distinguishing characteristics. This EMI set recorded by the Philadelphia Orchestra under Riccardo Muti between 1988 and 1991 possesses all of these necessary attributes in abundance. Muti gives each of these final three symphonies its own life and personality, deftly balancing sentiments ranging from rage to...