Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5; The Nutcracker Suite

Read About This Recording

Roger Norrington is a conductor with a reputation for controversy. He has concentrated on exploring — many would say revitalizing — the Classical and Romantic repertory in accordance with historical precedents, through close attention to the notation, expressive markings and, in many cases, period instruments. Launched as the "historically informed performance" movement that took hold in the 1980s, his early EMI recording of the Berlioz "Symphonie Fantastique" with its calfskin timpani and ophicleide (precursor to the tuba) or the Beethoven Symphonies using Beethoven's own, perhaps too quick, metronome markings are prime examples. Since 1998 he has been Principal Conductor of the Stuttgart RSO, establishing historically aware performances.

Tchaikovsky's symphonies are a highpoint of the Romantic Era. They draw on lyrical elements of the dance, the idée fixe and Russian folk music. The Fifth Symphony was composed in 1888 and was an immediate success, with Tchaikovsky conducting it several times. This is Roger Norrinton's second recording of a Tchaikovsky symphony with the Stuttgart ensemble — he had previously released the Sixth Symphony in 2004. He takes a unique approach: The first movement is stately with a brass section that is not so brassy or loud. The second movement with its famous horn solo moves along and has flowing tempi throughout (plenty of rubato and freedom), offering an original interpretation. The third movement's Waltz is light and airy, while the finale is full-bodied and strong with an unusually fast (dare I say lighting quick) tempo that leaves for an exciting, if not hurried, ending.

This is a live recording of one of the most popular symphonies in the repertory — Roger Norrington has certainly put his own unique stamp on the reading of this score. Not for everyone, but certainly worth checking out.

The second half of the CD features the endearing "Nutcracker Suite" — not only a Christmas tale, but one dealing with nocturnal fears and the rite of passage from childhood to young adulthood.

—J. Maxwell Fletcher

Quotes

"One can immediately admire the conviction, the obvious belief in a viewpoint. At their very best, the performances can emerge as a breath of fresh air; at the very worst, they are thought-provoking (no bad thing). The rethinking of standard repertoire at the behest of their chief conductor has seemingly energized the Stuttgart orchestra to great heights." —The Independent

Contents

Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64; Orchestral Suite from The Nutcracker, Op. 71a.

Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR; Roger Norrington, Conductor.