Search - Tchaikovsky, Simon, Lso :: Symphony 2 / Romeo & Juliet Overture

Tchaikovsky's "1st" 2nd

Randy Roehll | USA | 03/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the original version of the 2nd Symphony. A case can certainly made that there is richer and more varied content in the 1st and 4th movements versus the much more common revised one. (In fact, every other copy that you are likely to find IS the revised version, so THIS version is the true novelty.) Tchaikovsky is well known for his rich fund of musical ideas. In this performance and version, this talent will be manifestly clear in the 1st movement. Ironically, a significant percentage of the 1st movement is material that you will not hear in the revised movement at all. It is fair to say that one could almost look at the 2 first movements as totally different works. What seems like a mere after thought of material in this version is bascially the whole movement in the revised version. As inferred, the revised version is more brief. It has been said that there is "ballet music" in Peter Ilyich's symphonies. It is resplendent here. And for many music critics as well as this author, to the benefit of posterity. The original Romeo and Juliet version played here will seem pale compared to the well-known and well-loved original. The world owes Mily Balikirev a debt in the inspiration that we are all familiar with. For the 1st movement alone, which honestly shows the early Tchaikosky at his full inventive powers. This is a must buy-and a must have-treasure."

Good for every Tchaikovsky collection.

Carlos Quintero | Caracas, Venezuela | 03/18/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"


This CD is a complete hit and the best way to know Tchaikovsky`s original insights on his 2nd symphony and his Romeo & Juliet. Despite the definitive

and final versions of these works are for sure much better, it is always

very exciting to know how they were like in their original conceptions.

This is a must for every Tchaikovsky serious collectors."