LXXXIX. TCHAIKOVSKY, Pyotr Ilyich: Symphony #5, Op. 64

LXXXIV. TCHAIKOVSKY, Pyotr Ilyich (1840-1893)

Symphony #5, Op. 64 (1888)
1. Andante -- Allegro con anima -- Molto più tranquillo
2. Andanate cantabile, con alcuna licenze
3. Valse. Allegro moderato
4. Finale: Andante maestoso -- Allegro vivace -- Meno Mosso
Frankfurt Radio Symphony
Manfred Honeck, cond.
(50:35)

Tchaikovsky uses this theme throughout all four movements of this masterful symphony.

If Beethoven had lived to be 118 and drank a lot of Vodka, he would have written this (although it has truly Russian qualities). The true heir to the mastery of the symphonic form after Beethoven, Tchaikovsky's last three symphonies (Nos. 4-6) are giants of the literature.

Wikipedia. Lots of good details about the key scheme, main thematic material (besides the motto motif, above) and the critical reception -- both contemporary and later: for example, the symphony was played during the Seige of Leningrad (St. Petersburg, today) on October 20, 1941 and broadcast live to London "to keep the spirits high in the city ... as the second movement began, bombs started to fall nearby, but the orchestra continued playing until the final note."

Honeck and the Frankfurt musicians put out an astonishing performance here. The crisp rhythmic precision, and -- most of all -- the painstakingly loving attention to the dynamic details are exquisite. For example, on a suspended chord, the resolution is accomplished with a hushed beauty. 

Honeck also -- unlike many conductors -- waits between movements for the last audience cough to expire and -- only then -- begins.

Highly suggested for all conductors.