Representing the first visit to the Proms by the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, this exhilarating and refreshing concert from 1992 sees the orchestra on top form under Yevgeny Mravinsky’s esteemed successor, Yuri Temirkanov.
Temirkanov was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the orchestra four years prior to this recording, having made his debut with them several decades earlier, which lead to his appointment as Mravinsky’s assistant conductor in the sixties.
Temirkanov is not averse to making changes to musical scores, and the Manfred Symphony featured on this DVD is subject to a convincing set of alterations, closing with a reprise of the first movement’s dark coda, a compelling and appropriate substitute for the customary happy ending.
Temirkanov’s profound love of Tchaikovsky’s music is evident in this passionate interpretation from an orchestra that was established nearly 130 years ago, and according to Gramophone is one of the top 20 orchestras in the world.
A frequent guest conductor of major orchestras in Europe, Temirkanov and ‘his orchestra’, were described in the Corriere della Sera (Milan) as ‘something unique in world music panorama… Amazing musicians, everyone is a soloist, but in perfect ensemble and confluence with others.’
Temirkanov has received many distinguished awards in Russia, such as the President’s Medal from Vladimir Putin, the Abbiati Prize for Best Conductor, and Conductor of the Year in Italy in 2003. Recently, he was made an Honorary Academician of Santa Cecilia.
This is the first DVD release of this material.
Picture format: 4:3
Running time: 72’
Subtitles: n/a
Menu languages: English
Booklet languages: E/F/G
Region code: 0
Territory Restrictions: None
“The Tchaikovsky is a beautiful and dramatic performance, though whether the DVD is worth buying rather depends on your feelings about the last two movements. Both have extensive cuts...and amendments...Overall, the orchestra makes a lovely sound and responds well to Temirkanov's expressive hands.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2012 ****
“the orchestra, drilled so long and so relentlessly under the Mravinsky regime, they play with rare warmth and spontaneity; that said, the old discipline kicks in where necessary...really this is a fine tribute to the BBC, whose Proms productions then were often superior to the ones we see now. An indispensable record of a memorable night.” MusicWeb International, June 2012
