Notes and Editorial Reviews
From 1961 comes this vibrant and lively rendition of Tchaikovsky's Winter Daydreams Symphony. Václav Smetácek's brisk tempos and light touch make it easy to envision the snowy trek suggested by the first movement. He keeps the Andante moving at a flowing pace that's noticeably faster than usual, serving to remind that "daydreams"--rather than "dreams"--is the correct translation of the Russian title. After creating a Mendelssohnian fairy-tale atmosphere in the Scherzo, Smetácek leads one of the most bracing accounts of the finale on disc. He charges ahead, evoking a truly festive atmosphere, and his unrestrained enthusiasm makes the usually overlong coda sound fittingly exuberant.
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The Prague Philharmonic gives a virtuoso performance (with exceptionally beautiful woodwind playing) under Smetácek's baton, just as it does for Romeo and Juliet. Here the conductor reveals much of the music's poignant beauty while reveling in its drama and excitement. The decades-old recordings sound impressively clear and full-bodied, although the bass drum is barely audible in the symphony's finale (it's much more prominent in the 1963 Romeo and Juliet). This one's a real Tchaikovsky treat.
--Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday.com Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
Romeo and Juliet Overture by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor:
Václáv Smetácek
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1869/1880; Russia
Date of Recording: 04/29/1963
Venue: Dvorák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague
Length: 19 Minutes 54 Secs.
2.
Symphony no 1 in G minor, Op. 13 "Winter daydreams" by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Conductor:
Václáv Smetácek
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Period: Romantic
Written: 1866/1874; Russia
Venue: Dvorák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague
Length: 41 Minutes 1 Secs.
Notes: Dvorák Hall, Rudolfinum, Prague (06/22/1961 - 06/24/1961)
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