Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6, Souvenir De Florence (CD)

"Italy, Florence - nothing gives me the slightest pleasure so far" wrote Tchaikovsky to his brother. "I cannot live outside Russia." In the depth of depression, the composer commenced work on his sextet, Souvenir de Florence, which he completed upon his return to Russia in June 1890. Melancholy Russian folk melodies mingle with Tchaikovsky's Florentine theme rising in the Adagio. In 1892, with more creative struggles - a symphony in E flat was abandoned (much of it becoming the 3rd piano concerto and the Andante & Finale), and a new symphony in B minor was started. If the melancholy of Souvenir de Florence is never far from the surface, it threatens to overwhelm the 6th symphony. "I am very proud of the symphony, and I think it's the best of my compositions." Tchaikovsky died 9 days after conducting it's first performance, a victim of the cholera pandemic raging over the Russian Empire.

Track List:

Disc: 1

1. Souvenir de Florence Op. 70-I. Allegro Con Spirito
2. Souvenir de Florence Op. 70-II. Adagio Cantabile E Con Moto
3. Souvenir de Florence Op. 70-III. Allegretto Moderato
4. Souvenir de Florence Op. 70-IV. Allegro Vivace
5. Symphony No. 6 in B minor Op. 74 "Pathétique"-I. Adagio - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
6. Symphony No. 6 in B minor Op. 74 "Pathétique"-II. Allegro Con Grazia
7. Symphony No. 6 in B minor Op. 74 "Pathétique"-III. Allegro Molto Vivace
8. Symphony No. 6 in B minor Op. 74 "Pathétique"-IV. Adagio Lamentoso