Description
With his unfailing, meticulous analysis of the score, Markevitch demonstrates just how much substance lies between the fateful, morbid fanfares on the brass at the beginning, the phantasmal arabesques of the pizzicato third movement, and the explosive, intoxicating finale: a dance like verve that is reminiscent of his opera “Eugene Onegin” which was composed at the same time, the rising up and ebbing away of the passionate melodies, and the close-knit interplay of the voices allow us to share in the elation and enthusiasm Tchaikovsky felt during the work’s composition. But why this particular recording? Because Markevitch shows that the key to a thrilling Tchaikovsky recording lies neither in sheer force nor superficial exaltation and a swift tempo, but in resoluteness, great perceptiveness for the melodies, and a passion for detail.
Recording: October 1963 in Brent Town Hall, London
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 – The London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Igor Markevitch
3rd Mov. : Scherzo (Allegro)
4th Mov. : Finale (Allegro con fuoco)