Tchaikovsky: “1812” Overture, Capriccio italien - London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Alwyn
The 1812 Overture, Tchaikovsky’s musical tribute to celebrate victory over Napoleon’s army, is one of those 19th-century works which is seldom performed in the concert hall due to the enormous number of instruments it requires. This programmatic symphonic work with its battlefield participants – male-voice choir, bell chimes, percussion, and cannon-fire – requires the utmost from everyone involved, from the tutti strings right up to the balance engineer.
The gratifying result of a production made with only the very best ingredients can now be enjoyed once again with this re-release of a DECCA recording. The London Symphony Orchestra, led by Kenneth Alwyn, has achieved a remarkable feat, their rich timbre enhancing every nuance of this closely-knit score. Sonorous strings and polished brass wind passages ensure that the listener’s attention will be riveted right to the very last bar.
Less nerve-racking but certainly no less riveting in its beauty and lightness are the well-known Capriccio italien and the popular Marche slave. The purchaser of this LP can congratulate himself that he now possesses three of Tchaikovsky’s greatest showpieces.
This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. More information under http://www.pure-analogue.com. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.
Recording: May 1958 at Kingsway Hall, London by Arthur Lilley / Production: Michael Williamson
