Get a free album when you join our newsletter. Sign up
Cover: Peter Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 · The Seasons (January-June)

Peter Tchaikovsky

Symphony No. 5

The Seasons (January-June)

The Philadelphia Orchestra
Christoph Eschenbach, conductor
Christoph Eschenbach, piano

ODE 1076-5 · SACD / CD · April 2006

Buy / listen

...the legend lives on as never before...

Track listing

10 tracks · 75:52

Listen to samples on selected tracks.

Peter Tchaikovsky

  1. Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 50:38
  2. 1 I. Andante - Allegro con anima 16:21
  3. 2 II. Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza 15:37
  4. 3 III. Valse: Allegro moderato 6:01
  5. 4 IV. Finale: Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace 12:31
  6. The Seasons, Op. 37b 25:21
  7. 5 I. January: At the Fireside 5:25
  8. 6 II. February: Carnival 2:46
  9. 7 III. March: Song of the Lark 2:43
  10. 8 IV. April: Snowdrop 4:02
  11. 9 V. May: Starlight Nights 4:27
  12. 10 VI. June: Barcarolle 5:59

About this recording

The legend lives on as never before... - Ondine's second recording in the acclaimed partnership with The Philadelphia Orchestra combines Tchaikovsky's famous Fifth Symphony with a special bonus, the first half of the piano cycle The Seasons. The latter is Christoph Eschenbach's first extensive solo piano recording in nearly thirty years. Before turning to conducting in the 1970s, Christoph Eschenbach had earned a distinguished reputation as the foremost pianist to emerge from post-war Germany, making his United States concert debut in 1969, with his mentor George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra.

The finest SACD recording technology highlights the unique spirit of a live performance of the legendary Orchestra, as well as of its world-renowned “Philadelphia Sound”.

Features

1 Hybrid SACD (SACD Surround 5.0 / SACD Stereo / CD Stereo - playable on all SACD and CD players); booklet with liner notes in English, French and German; luxurious slipcase

Press

Flawless (...) excellent recording technique (...) impeccable technical precision (...) Eschenbach's recording of the Fifth undoubtedly numbers among the upper third (...) These Seasons can be regarded as a reference recording.
Daniel Krause, klassik.com, April 20, 2007

There's a pleasant expansiveness to the sound and a solid foundation to the orchestral sonority. We get excellent depth and plenty of atmosphere. (...) In the second movement, we hear that the Philadelphia's strings remain one of its glories.
The Absolute Sound, August 2006

A lyrical alternative to the earthy and pithy Russian tradition.
Attila Csampai, Fono Forum, July 2006

His (piano) touch is magical, with a natural feel for the flexible phrasing that the music calls out for.
Edward Greenfield, Gramophone, May 2006

The SACD sonics are so clear and wide-ranging and the ensemble balance is so natural that the orchestra occupies a space seemingly independent of any electronic equipment. (...) Eschenbach makes full use of his orchestra's legendary tonal richness and instrumental color-qualities tailor-made for Tchaikovsky's scoring.
Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com, April 2006, Artistic Quality 9 / Sound Quality 10

The artists

The Philadelphia Orchestra

Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra has distinguished itself as one of the leading orchestras in the world through a century of acclaimed performances, historic international tours, and best-selling recordings. Six music directors have piloted the Orchestra through its first century, giving the ensemble an unparalleled cohesiveness and unity in artistic leadership. Fritz Scheel and Carl Pohlig served as its first music directors. In 1912 Leopold Stokowski was appointed conductor. Leading a series of major world and U.S. premieres and making widely acclaimed recordings, Stokowski firmly established Philadelphia's prominence in American classical music.

Full biography

Christoph Eschenbach

Held in high esteem by the world's foremost orchestras and opera houses for his commanding presence, versatility, and consummate musicianship, Christoph Eschenbach has also been acclaimed for his creative insight and dynamic energy, as a conductor, collaborator, and ardent champion of young musicians. In autumn 2010, he assumed the music directorship of the National Symphony Orchestra and the specially created position of music director of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, both in Washington, D.C.

Full biography

Also recommended

Gustav Mahler

Symphony No. 6 · Piano Quartet

The Philadelphia Orchestra · Christoph Eschenbach, conductor · Christoph Eschenbach, piano · Members of The Philadelphia Orchestra

ODE 1084-5D · CD / SACD · Oct 2006

Info & buy