Dances and Overtures

In high school I learned an important lesson all classical music lovers should learn. There were a number of good budget labels that issued great and varied LP's. Sine Qua Non, Vox, and Seraphim are some that come to mind. Each of these labels issued recordings of works not in the standard repertoire and I learned that if I didn't grab a title as soon as I saw it, I may never see it again. I grabbed and accumulated a varied record collection. I still have this temptation when I see Naxos recordings, especially if I see a recording of works by one of my favorite composers with music that is not that familiar.

This collection of dance music and overtures from operas, and a symphonic poem (not from an opera but it still fits the collection) contains music that would largely be unfamiliar to most listeners outside of Russia. The overture to PIQUE DAME and "Gopak" from MAZEPPA are probably the only pieces that could be considered familiar. In the Boston area the dances from OPRICHNIK get airtime on our local classical station but the other works are largely unheard. The excerpts are enjoyable and area wonderful example of the creativity that is so much a part of Tchaikovsky.

Since so many of the pieces were unfamiliar to me prior to this recording, it's difficult to compare them to what may be available on other discs. However, I do have other recordings of the overture to PIQUE DAME and "Gopak" and while the performance is good, I have heard more robust renditions. Still it's a worthwhile disc with great musical gems.

The recorded sound is not in the top bracket, but it is still excellent. The playing of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine is very consistent; Theodore Kuchar does a good job of avoiding blandness. Only rarely does the orchestra sound as though it could be more polished.

The opening Queen of Spades Overture is a prologue divided into two sections much like the Sleeping Beauty Prologue (if not as memorably). Fatum, the next track, is a much underrated symphonic poem with many pleasing ideas. Kuchar strikes a convincing balance between too much and too little weight in his approach. The Voyevoda Overture is pleasing, if not as great as the later Symphonic Poem of the same name.

The three excerpts from the Maid of Orleans are splendid. The two dances are typical Tchaikovsky, full of energy, both delicious examples of his abilities to compose.

The remaining excerpts, including the somewhat well-known Gopak from Mazeppa, are all fine works, if not "great." As a Tchaikovskian, I am glad to have all of these works on one disc, given a good performance by Eastern European forces.

Both the Orchestra and the conductor do not seem at their best here, but Tchaikovsky is Tchaikovsky and worth attention even in his less famous piece as it is the case here. Worth going for it, the price is also inviting, no regret at the end.