Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings in C

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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

Serenade for Strings in C Major
1. I. Pezzo in forma di sonatina: Andante non troppo – Allegro moderato
2. II. Valse: Moderato – Tempo di valse
3. III. Elegie: Larghetto elegiaco
4. IV. Finale (Tema russo): Andante – Allegro con spirito

Divertimento for String Orchestra
5. I. Allegro ma non troppo
6. II. Molto adagio
7. III. Allegro assai

Release date 27 October 2014
LSO0752 | 822231175223

Producer James Mallinson
Engineers Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded live at the Barbican, 27th October 2013

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

FLAC - 24bit 96kHz - Compatible with Windows and
Android devices

MP3 - 320kbps - Universal compatibility
SACD - Compatible with all CD players

Available on streaming services

Reviews

***** ‘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 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