Tchaikovsky: Symphonies 1-6, Manfred Symphony, Overtures, Rococo Variations – Rostropovich, Vengerov, Ozawa (6 CDs) WARNER CLASSICS

Tchaikovsky: Symphonies 1-6, Manfred Symphony, Overtures, Rococo variations

Mstislav Rostropovich (cello), Maxim Vengerov (violin)

London Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa

“Love and charm are among the many qualities which distinguish this richly enjoyable set of the Tchaikovsky Symphonies,” wrote Gramophone of the cycle that forms the heart of this collection. Mstislav Rostropovich, like Tchaikovsky, represents the very soul of Russian music. Stepping down from the conductor’s podium, he returns to the cello for the Rococo Variations, the composer’s tribute to the spirit of the 18th century.

– Disc 1 –
1 Symphony No. 1,’Winter Daydreams’, Op. 13: I. Allegro Tranquillo; Poco Più Animato
2 Symphony No. 1, “Winter Daydreams”, Op. 13: II. Adagio Cantabile Ma Non Tanto
3 Symphony No. 1, “Winter Daydreams”, Op. 13: III. Scherzo (Allegro Scherzando Giocoso)
4 Symphony No. 1, “Winter Daydreams”, Op. 13: IV. Finale (Andante Lugubre – Allegro Moderato – Allegro
5 Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Little Russian”, Op. 17: I. Andante Sostenuto – Allegro Vivo
6 Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Little Russian”, Op. 17: II. Andantino Marziale, Quasi Moderato
7 Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Little Russian”, Op. 17: III. Scherzo (Allegro Molto Vivace)
8 Symphony No. 2 in C minor, “Little Russian”, Op. 17: IV. Finale (Moderato Assai – Allegro – Presto)

– Disc 2 –
1 Symphony No. 3 in D Major,”Polish”, Op. 29: I. Moderato Assai (Tempo Di Marcia Funebre) – Allegro BR
2 Symphony No. 3 in D Major,”Polish”, Op. 29: II. Alla Tedesca (Allegro Moderato E Semplice)
3 Symphony No. 3 in D Major,”Polish”, Op. 29: III. Andante Elegiaco
4 Symphony No. 3 in D Major,”Polish”, Op. 29: IV. Scherzo (Allegro Vivo)
5 Symphony No. 3 in D Major,”Polish”, Op. 29: V. Allegro Con Fuoco – Tempo Di Polacca
6 Romeo and Juliet, Overture-Fantasy, TH 42

– Disc 3 –
1 Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36: I. Andante Sostenuto_Moderato Con Anima
2 Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36: II. Andantino in Modo Di Canzone
3 Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36: III. Scherzo (Pizzicato Ostinato, Allegro)
4 Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36: IV. Allegro Con Fuoco
5 Francesca Da Rimini, Symphonic Fantasy, Op. 32

– Disc 4 –
1 “Manfred” Symphony, Op. 58: I. Lento Lugubre – Moderato Con Moto – Andante
2 “Manfred” Symphony, Op. 58: II. Vivace Con Spirito
3 “Manfred” Symphony, Op. 58: III. Andante Con Moto
4 “Manfred” Symphony, Op. 58: IV. Allegro Con Fuoco
5 Serenade Melancolique, Op. 26

– Disc 5 –
1 Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64: I. Andante – Allegro Con Anima
2 Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op.64: II. Andante Cantabile, Con Alcuna Licenza
3 Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64: III. Valse (Allegro Moderato)
4 Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64: IV. Andante Maestoso – Allegro Vivace
5 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Introduction & Thema
6 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation I – Tempo Della Thema
7 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation II – Tempo Della Thema
8 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation III – Andante Sostenuto
9 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation IV – Andante Grazioso – Un Poco Animato
10 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation V – Allegro Moderato – Cadenza
11 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation VI – Andante
12 Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation VII & Coda (Allegro Vivo)

– Disc 6 –
1 Festival Overture,”1812″, Op. 49
2 Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique”: I. Adagio – Allegro Non Troppo
3 Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique”: II. Allegro Con Grazia
4 Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique”: III. Allegro Molto Vivace
5 Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, “Pathétique”: IV. Finale – Adagio Lamentoso