Tchaikovsky: Suite No. 2 in C major, Op. 53

The complete 4 Orchestral Suites of Tchaikovsky on 2 CD’s. Tchaikovsky’s Suites are his most “western” works, his imagination and creativity set free from the restrictions of formal genres (symphonies, sonatas). They contain delightful music, with hints of ballet music and inspirations from other composers (the 4th suite Mozartiana is based on themes by Mozart). Performed with wit, charm, transparency and gusto by Sir Neville Marriner and the Stuttgart RSO. Born in the small town of Votkinsk in 1840, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky achieved considerable renown during his own lifetime and is today hailed as one of the world’s best-loved composers.

Having initially studied law before enrolling at the St Petersburg Conservatory aged 22, he is best remembered for his symphonies, operas and ballets; ranking among his lesser-known creations, however, are the Four Orchestral Suites, to which this excellent two-disc set is dedicated. The works are best viewed as an outlet for unrestricted musical fantasy, and indeed Tchaikovsky wrote to his patron Nadezhda von Meck that he valued the genre of the orchestral suite precisely because of the ‘freedom … it leaves the composer not to be bound by all sorts of traditions.’ Composed in 1878–9 and 1883 respectively, Nos. 1 and 2 descend from the Baroque model, with Tchaikovsky paying homage to Bach and Telemann through the use of such idiomatic devices as the fugue – as heard in the opening movement of the First Orchestral Suite. Whereas the Second is distinguished for its careful attention to texture (including the addition of four accordions), the Third (1884) is particularly lauded for its Theme and Variations finale – a movement that was often performed on its own, such was its universal popularity. Taking the form of a musical tribute to the composer Tchaikovsky most admired is the ‘Mozartiana’ Suite, written in 1887.

A work that faithfully adapts some of the Austrian’s best-known compositions, it presents a charming conclusion to an engaging cycle which – brimming with all the hallmarks of the Russian’s style – is performed with authority under the expert baton of Sir Neville Marriner. All in all, this compilation is a must-buy for anyone wishing to delve deeper into the rich world of 19th-century orchestral music.

A superbly put together ‘2 for the price of I’ set, demonstrating the supreme talents of one of Poland’s leading orchestras. A release that spans the orchestral musical rainbow, from Bizet to Tansman. Simply enjoy.

This new specially-priced set showcases four Orchestral Suites by Tchaikovsky, comprising a selection of scintillating works which are celebrated by musicians, conductors and audiences alike.

Sir Neville Marriner conducts two of the orchestras he is associated with; The Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Alexander Gauk (1893-1963) studied with Glazunov and Tcherepnin at Petrograd Conservatory. His early appointments included the Petrograd Music Drama Theatre, the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet (formerly the Mariinsky, latterly the Kirov), and he went on to become principal conductor of the Leningrad Philharmonic, succeeding Nikolai Malko. He was also appointed to the role of first director of the USSR State Symphony. In addition, he taught at the conservatories in Tbilisi, Leningrad and Moscow.

Gauk premiered many works, including Shostakovich’s 3rd Symphony, The Golden Age, and The Bolt. He was a champion of Khachaturian, Miaskovsky, Prokofiev and Shaporin, and was also one of the first conductors to resurrect Rachmaninov’s 1st Symphony after its catastrophic premiere under a clearly drunk Glazunov. He rather daringly (for the time and place) tackled Mahler and Richard Strauss.

Gauk was a visceral conductor, favouring tight rhythms and driven structures, and the discipline he exerted over orchestral ensemble was breathtaking, and completely free of any blemish. His recorded legacy is extensive, and his is still a formidable name in Russian musical history.

One of the great conductors of the 20th century who was closely linked with some of the greatest Russian composers, and who premiered many of their works.

Extensive booklet notes.

Some unusual Russian repertoire is included in the set.