Celebrating the seasons . . .


long-playing record in the early '50s...and we have not lacked for recorded versions of every conceivable variety since then, including in the past dozen years, many with period instruments.

I'd like to speak for three, giving you choices as preference dictates: TELARC 80070: The Boston Symphony Orch./Seiji Ozawa, with Joseph Silverstein, the prominent violin soloist (Standard full ensemble, fine sound). EMI 49557 - English Chamber Orch./Nigel Kennedy (Contemporary view of a British musical scofflaw). ARCHIVE 400 045 - English Concert/Pinnock (Standage, v.)...one of the most representative of the period groups.

As for the ballet similarly titled: "The Seasons" Op. 67 by Alexander Glazounov, there is really only one EXCELLENT contemporary recording: TELARC 80347 - Minnesota Orch./Edo de Waart. Just right tempi, superior phrasing and superb playing by the ensemble. Take special note of the finale: "Bacchanale"...with it's striking upbeat, not to say swinging tune. Finally, Tchaikovsky's misnamed "Seasons" Op. 37a, could not be better played than by Mikhail Pletnev, pianist on VIRGIN 45042.

The copyright of the article Celebrating the seasons . . . in Classical Music is owned by Kelly Ferjutz. Permission to republish Celebrating the seasons . . . in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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