Mendelssohn: Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op.21
The next disc in Signum’s series of live orchestral recordings with the Philharmonia features the late Sir Charles Mackerras conducting Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.6 (Pathétique).
This was Tchaikovsky’s final completed symphony, premiered in St Petersberg under the baton of the composer in 1893, nine days before his death, dedicated to his nephew Vladimir ‘Bob’ Davydov.
The Philharmonia Orchestra are widely recognised as the UK’s finest performers with an impressive recording legacy. The orchestra prides itself on collaborations with the finest musicians of our day.
"If there were no further releases in the series, the composer's final symphony would make a fine valedictory effort for Mackerras, who leads the Philharmonia seamlessly through the piece's emotional roller-coaster … A brilliant recording."
The Independent
*****
"This is a superb record - a magnificent and highly original live account of the 'Pathetique' Symphony that can stand comparison with the most exacting competition."
International Record Review Outstanding Recording
" ... So much of what Mackerras did was governed by an acute sense of what articulation can achieve – and this is a superb example."