Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Adrian Boult, Jascha Horenstein :: Tchaikovsky Swan Lake Suite/Symphony No.5

Magnificent Tchaikovsky

Brian H. Williams | Manteca, CA United States | 09/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These performances by Boult and Horenstein are truely outstanding. The brass in Boult's performance of the ballet is magnificently clear and articulate. Some may object to Boult's editing to some of the pieces, but don't foget, these are just excerpts. Sym 5 by Horenstein ranks as one of the best. It is not as spectacular as Stokowski's Phase 4 version (recorded with the same orchestra as Horenstein coincidently) but the string sound on Horenstein's performance is outstanding, incredibly lush and sweet. The brass is healthy and strong. The first movement is taken at a slow pace that gives it a sense of drama and intensity that is really exciting. The 3rd movement is done lightly and gracefully, with a ballet feeling that is just inspiring. The 4th movement is as heroic as you would want it to be. A really great recording!"