Complete Symphonies, Tchaikovsky / Gembaczka / Russian National Orch, CD

A modern, Russian-made cycle of Tchaikovsky in superb sound, led by one of today's most unpredictable and inspiring musicians. Made at a studio in Moscow in June 2010 and April 2011, originally issued in separate volumes, this is an orchestral cycle of Tchaikovsky to reckon with. Mikhail Pletnev founded the Russian National Orchestra in the years following the break-up of the USSR, and they rapidly won fame and an international following for the dynamic precision and attack of their performances, which bore the imprint of their mercurial leader. One of their earliest recordings was Tchaikovsky's Pathétique Symphony, later remade for DG as part of a cycle, and then once more within the present set. Thus this music runs in the orchestra's blood, but there is no danger of routine or staleness in their performances when Pletnev is on the podium. His approach is remarkably attuned to the period and manners of Tchaikovsky's time, always neat and graceful in the scherzos and the early symphonies, never overlaid with bombast or excess weight in the manner of many postwar recordings. The bonuses to the canonic cycle of six symphonies: first and foremost the Manfred Symphony in it's original, best and uncut version. Then the major symphonic poems such as Romeo and Juliet and Francesca da Rimini, with their dramatic narratives held taut by Pletnev's phrasing. The coupling for the Second Symphony, which famously quotes Ukrainian melodies throughout and especially in the joyous finale, is a rare chance to hear the first draft of the opening movement, which was cast on a much more expansive scale. As it was released, the cycle won no shortage of critical accolades. 'I doubt that there is a more articulate performance to be found... I don't think I've ever heard the final pages more exciting' (Gramophone, No.2). 'Mikhail Pletnev remains one of the most intelligent and stylish conductors around... there's an element of restraint about Pletnev's treatment... which I personally find supremely touching' (Gramophone, No.6). 'Of the subtle inner workings of Tchaikovsky's score Pletnev remains an unassailable master' (Gramophone, Manfred Symphony). This reissue packages the individual discs in compact wallets, with full booklet notes for each piece.