CD Review: Tchaikovsky Symphonies 5 & 6 * Mstislav Rostropovich * London Philharmonic Orchestra * Parlophone * 1976

 

London Philharmonic Orchestra

Mstislav Rostropovich, conductor, solo cello

Warner Music re-release box set of 6 CDs, containing Tchaikovsky's Symphonies 1-6, 'Manfred' Symphony, Romeo & Juliet, Francesca Da Rimini, '1812' Overture, and the Rococo Variations

Discs 5 & 6:

Symphony No 5

Variations on a Rococo Theme (Seiji Ozawa, conductor, Boston Symphony Orch)

Overture '1812'

Symphony No 6 'Pathetique'

Rostropovich's interpretation of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No 5 in E minor begins so slowly it's alarming. But throughout this set, I've learned to trust and be patient. That patience is once again rewarded. This is not to be understood as a conventional take on this work, and isn't the recording I'd choose to introduce listeners to Tchaik 5. For a basic introduction, I'd suggest the famous recording of Mravinsky with Leningrad on Deutsche Grammophon. Two other great recordings in a more standard vein are George Szell with Cleveland or Zubin Mehta's fine recording from the 1970s with the Los Angeles Philharmonic (a really great cycle in general, too often overlooked).

This recording of the Fifth is more like a controversial soloist's take on a beloved and overplayed concerto. The risks all pay off - we're all glad he took them by the end - but it isn't exactly what you're expecting going in. Once again, the fact that it was recorded in Kingsway Hall gives the orchestra a massive quality that is difficult to replicate on other recordings, and the attention to detail is nothing short of remarkable (one wonders how much rehearsal time or retakes of sections went into it). The finale stands out in particular - the attentive listener will likely hear lines they've never heard before, with an unparalleled clarity.

The Rococo Variations were recorded with Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony, in Boston Symphony Hall, with Rostropovich as soloist. I'm a clarinetist and saxophonist, and this is Mstislav Rostropovich on cello. How on earth am I going to critique his playing? The man was a legend and this recording is therefore self recommending. Listen and enjoy.

The final disc in this Tchaikovsky box begins with the 1812 Overture, recorded with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center. That hall has a beautifully warm sound (I've had the good fortune to play there, and was the warmest hall I'd ever played, soundwise). This is a solid interpretation of the piece. Unlike so many in this set, Rostropovich doesn't opt for a broad reading. It's all pretty standard tempi, executed cleanly with some verve by the NSO.

Symphony No 6 in B minor 'Pathetique' returns us for the final installment of the cycle recorded (mostly) in Kingsway Hall, London, with the London Philharmonic, in October of 1976. Once again, the listener has to be patient and trust where Rostropovich is taking us in the first movement, and I think he does deliver at the big moments. The 5/4 waltz of the second and the march of the third are both delivered in a more standard way - very effective and with great color by the orchestra and hall. The fourth movement is heartfelt, with the LPO strings approaching the almost vocal quality of the finest Russian orchestras. It wouldn't be my first choice of Pathetiques, but it is a very good rendition of the piece.

So looking at this set as a whole, I'd say it lived up to my expectations. This is a cycle where the orchestral sound and Kingsway Hall are the stars. I don't think you'll find a set with richer and more diverse colors. The one symphony that was recorded outside of Kingsway (the so-called 'Polish' symphony No 3) might just be the finest version of the piece I've heard on record, so it's not a disappointment.

My recommendation for a first cycle (with Manfred) would be Evegeny Svetlanov's live cycle with the USSR State Symphony Orchestra from the 1960s - although Western listeners should beware: it's as raucous a Russian recording as you can get. Without Manfred, I'd recommend Zubin Mehta's with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I think the Mravinsky recordings of 4,5 and 6 are a must for every collection. But as a contrasting cycle, delivering very different, broad interpretations with gorgeous detail and sound, this really can't be beat. Get one before they all disappear. I don't think you'll be disappointed.