--- We are pleased to announce that worldwide downloads have been re-enabled. However, physical product shipments to EU countries remain on hold ---

Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C – LSO Live

Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C

  • Catalogue Number LSO0752
    UPC 822231175223

    James Mallinson producer
    Classic Sound Ltd engineering, editing, mixing & mastering

    Recorded live at the Barbican, 27th October 2013

    DSD (direct stream digital) recording
    Notes in English / en français / auf Deutsch

  • Performance: **** Recording: ***** ‘Simovic focuses on [Tchaikovsky’s] lyricism, culminating in a joyous finale.’
    BBC Music Magazine

    ***** ‘The accuracy of [Simovic’s] tempos help develop a primarily balanced vision, never at the expense of emotion and mystery.’
    Diapason

    ‘The variety and subtlety of the textures make demands not only on performers but on the recording process, and all is well managed here. Simovic sets the Serenade off in stately, ceremonial style, drawing great warmth and depth of tone from the orchestra.’
    Gramophone

    ‘A reminder – if reminder were needed – of just how world-class the string section of the London Symphony Orchestra is.’
    Classical CD Choice

    ‘A polished and poised account of Tchaikovsky’s C Major Serenade. The big and bold opening sets the scene, though the performance as a whole is memorable for the subtle dynamic shades in the central movements… an acceleration in the work’s final bars showcases the ensemble’s virtuosity and brings the work to a brilliant conclusion.’
    The Strad

    ‘In both works the control of dynamics, inner voicing and rhythm is marvellous. Under Simovic’s direction its concerto grosso form is strongly projected.’
    Hifi News

£8.99

Roman Simovic, LSO String Ensemble


The LSO’s magnificent string sound is world renowned and this recording marks the LSO Live debut of the LSO String Ensemble, led by LSO Leader Roman Simovic, who directs a performance of the much loved Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, together with Bartók’s Divertimento.

The Serenade has proved to be one of Tchaikovsky’s most enduringly popular works, a piece he described as being “passionately in love with”. Inspired in part by Mozart, its elegant music weaves Russian folk-song, and a fine example of the composer’s beloved Waltz, with an elegiac musical centrepiece.

Also featured on this release is Bartók’s Divertimento, one of the composer’s last works before leaving Europe for exile in the US. The Divertimento is a highly original work in its own unique idiom, contrasting two buoyant and light-hearted movements with a sombre Adagio in four sections.


Composers   Tchaikovsky, Bartók
Leader   Roman Simovic
Performers   LSO String Ensemble

Track list
1. Serenade for Strings in C Major: I. Pezzo in forma di sonatina: Andante non troppo – Allegro moderato
2. Serenade for Strings in C Major: II. Valse: Moderato – Tempo di valse
3. Serenade for Strings in C Major: III. Elegie: Larghetto elegiaco
4. Serenade for Strings in C Major: IV. Finale (Tema russo): Andante – Allegro con spirito
5. Divertimento for String Orchestra: I. Allegro ma non troppo
6. Divertimento for String Orchestra: II. Molto adagio
7. Divertimento for String Orchestra: III. Allegro assai

Also available on