Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with 'December' - A Season of Classics, a captivating collection of his most beloved works. This album, set for release on December 17, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, offers a rich tapestry of classical compositions that span a variety of moods and themes.
The album opens with a vibrant rendition of the iconic 'The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a,' arranged for two pianos by Economou. Each movement, from the lively 'Miniature Overture' to the delicate 'Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,' is a testament to Tchaikovsky's mastery of orchestration and his ability to evoke vivid imagery through music.
Following this, the album delves into the profound and introspective 'Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50,' performed live. This multi-movement piece showcases Tchaikovsky's depth of emotion and technical brilliance, with each variation building upon the last to create a deeply moving musical journey.
The album then transitions to the whimsical and charming 'Children's Album, Op. 39, TH 141.' This collection of short pieces captures the innocence and playfulness of childhood, with tracks like 'March of the Wooden Soldiers' and 'Waltz' offering a delightful contrast to the more serious works on the album.
Finally, the album concludes with selections from 'The Seasons, Op. 37a, TH 135,' a cycle of piano pieces that evoke the changing moods and landscapes of the year. From the cozy warmth of 'January: By the Hearth' to the hopeful promise of 'April: Snowdrop,' these pieces offer a poignant reflection on the passage of time.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes, 'December' - A Season of Classics is a comprehensive exploration of Tchaikovsky's genius, offering something for every classical music enthusiast. Whether you're a long-time fan of Tchaikovsky or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): I. Miniature OverturePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IIa. MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IIb. Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IIc. Russian Dance (Trepak)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IId. Arabian Dance (Coffee)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IIe. Chinese Dance (Tea)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IIf. Dance of the Reed-PipesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): III. Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: I. Pezzo elegiaco. Moderato assai – Allegro giusto - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: a. Theme. Andante con moto - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: b. Var. 1. L'istesso tempo - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: c. Var. 2. Più mosso - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: d. Var. 3. Allegro moderato - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: e. Var. 4. L'istesso tempo - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: f. Var. 5. L'istesso tempo - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: g. Var. 6. Tempo di valse - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: h. Var. 7. Allegro moderato - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: i. Var. 8. Fuga. Allegro moderato - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: j. Var. 9. Andante flebile, ma non tanto - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: k. Var. 10. Tempo di mazurka - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIa. Tema con Variazioni: l. Var. 11. Moderato - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIb. Variazione finale e coda: a. Allegro risoluto e con fuoco - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky
Piano Trio in A Minor, Op. 50: IIb. Variazione finale e coda: b. Coda. Lugubre. Andante con moto - LivePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Gidon Kremer, Mischa Maisky