Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 and No.
6 (DTS CDs)
Music: DTS
5.1: Extras:
Symphony No. 5
A- B+ C
Symphony No. 6
A B+ C
Of all the composers from
the later portion of the 1800’s, there were none quite like Tchaikovsky, who
was writing some of the most amazing symphonies, demonstrating his true
genius. His abilities were
immeasurable, even despite some criticisms that fell upon him because he
drifted from the ‘formal’ symphony. His
arrangements were more melodic in nature to the point of being ballet-like,
which would explain his works such as The Nutcracker and Sleeping
Beauty.
Tchaikovsky had a lot of
time in between his fourth symphony and his fifth and in this time he enjoyed
the fortune that was coming to him from his royalties and annuity. His fifth would be written in the summer
months and was first performed in St. Petersburg, which was received well. This time around his work became more moody
and demonstrated his advancements with theme within his compositions. Quickly we see how Andante – Allegro Con
Anima and Andante Cantabile, Con Alcuna Licenza compliment each
other, but at the same time have different elements, while working on similar
themes. Thematic repletion would become
more common in Tchaikovsky’s work as well as a structure that incorporates
different instruments or sections playing around on similar melodic lines. This would later be seen in the works of
Ravel (check out Ravel’s Bolero on SACD reviewed on this site). Dramatic elements could be signified now by
the use of certain instruments delivery of certain melodies.
Track Listing
Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64
Andante – Allegro Con
Anima
Andante Cantabile, Con
Alcuna Licenza
Valse (Allegro
moderato)
Finale (Andante
maestoso – Allegro vivace)
Symphony in B Minor (his sixth symphony) would be the last from the
great composer. He would die only a few
months after the premier of this final piece.
Ironically enough his last symphony would also be his most gloomy with
darker contrasts of instruments and arrangements. There are moments were the mood becomes sweet, only to be subdued
by an omnipresent level of despair. The
5.1 mix accurately allows for the shift in dynamics to grow and disperse
through the room. The surrounds are reserved
for larger moments, while the front speakers dominate with lead
instruments. This is also the case for Symphony
5.
Track Listing
Symphony No. 6 in B
Minor, Op. 74 (Pathetique)
Adagio – Allegro Con
Troppo
Allegro Con Grazia
Allegro Molto Vivace
Finale (Adagio
lamentoso – Andante)
Brought forth by DTS
Entertainment for their 20-bit CD release are Symphonies 5 and 5 from
Tchaikovsky, all of which are directed by Herbert Von Karajan. Karajan is the world’s foremost conductor
leading the Berlin Philharmonic, which he has been director of since 1955. These particular recordings took place
around 1972 during the Quadraphonic era for records. Going back to the four-channel masters, DTS Entertainments was
able to restore the magnetic tape and finally take those discrete channels and
retranslate them for 5.1 playback. The
spatialness is finally realized with accuracy since nothing was remixed or
repositioned to diverge from the original recordings design. Although the results are amazing, there are
still some limitations to these mixes.
Both contain a great level of detail and fidelity, but do not come close
to the responsive level that the SACD of Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons
(reviewed on this site) from Fidelis Records could.
Liner notes are also included
for both of these discs, which far outdo any CD recordings to date. With
exception of SACD, there are probably no better ways to enjoy the music of
Tchaikovsky’s unless going to a live performance. Symphonies 5 and 6 are the last two from his legendary composer,
with 6 being his swan song and final piece it makes it slightly more sought
after and recognized. Both are equally
great in their own right and DTS Entertainment has done an exceptional job of
making these important recordings available again with the ‘realized’ sound mix
that they were though of back in 1972.
- Nate Goss
