Tchaikovsky: Fatum, symphonic fantasia / elagie for string orchestra / Marche slave, Op.31 / Capriccio italien / 1812, Ouverture solennelle

"A collection that succeeds in highlighting the pure musical qualities of Tchaikovsky."
(Gramophone Nov 2003)

José Serebrier's Tchaikovsky recordings for BIS with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra - two so far - have been extremely well received both by the critics and in the market place. The compilation of "Shakespearean" pieces was described in Gramophone as "A unique and apt Tchaikovsky coupling brilliantly performed and recorded". Serebrier now returns with his Bamberg forces in a popular programme which includes the 1812 Overture - with cannons roaring! The brilliance of this piece and of the Marche Slave are admirably complemented by the more reflective beauty of the Élégie and the Andante cantabile for string orchestra. Even by Tchaikovsky's standards the melodies underlying the Anadante cantabile have a unique capacity for tugging at the heart strings. This is a piece of haunting beauty; one of the loveliest of slow movements in any string quartet. Right from the earliest times this movement has had a life independent of its place in Tchaikovsky's first string quartet and has been performed on in arrangements for string orchestras. On the present recording, José Serebrier has made his own arrangement of the original quartet version.

Though the world is full of splendid recordings of Tchaikovsky's music, this particular compilation, with its generous playing time, should prove very popular, particularly as the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and José Serebrier have already established their credentials in this field.