Tchaikovsky & Stravinsky: Works

Igor Markevitch presents a captivating collection of works by two titans of classical music, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky, in his album "Tchaikovsky & Stravinsky: Works." Released on February 7, 2020, under Urania Records, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 27 minutes, offering a rich and diverse listening experience.

The album opens with Tchaikovsky's "Romeo and Juliet," a passionate and dramatic overture that sets the tone for the rest of the collection. Markevitch and the ONRF Orchestra bring a sense of urgency and intensity to this well-known piece. The album then delves into Tchaikovsky's "Manfred," a symphony inspired by Lord Byron's poetic drama, showcasing Markevitch's skill in conducting the London Symphony Orchestra and the Russian State Symphony Orchestra through the work's complex and evocative passages.

Stravinsky's "Symphony of Psalms" is another highlight, with Markevitch leading the Russian S.A.S. Orchestra in a powerful and moving performance. The three-movement symphony, based on biblical texts, offers a unique blend of sacred and secular music, demonstrating Stravinsky's innovative approach to composition.

The album concludes with Stravinsky's "L'histore du soldat" (The Soldier's Tale), a ballet scored for a small ensemble of actors, dancers, and musicians. Markevitch and the London Symphony Orchestra bring this lively and engaging work to life, with each movement offering a different musical style, from the march-like "The Soldier's March" to the lively "Tango" and "Ragtime."

Throughout the album, Markevitch's conducting is nuanced and expressive, drawing out the emotional depth and technical brilliance of these works. The performances by the various orchestras are equally impressive, with each musician contributing to the overall richness and complexity of the sound. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Tchaikovsky & Stravinsky: Works" offers a compelling and rewarding listening experience.