Fricsay conducts Tchaikovsky

Ferenc Fricsay conducts with intensity and surprising clarity a Tchaikovsky triptych that brings together three European orchestras and three souls of symphonic language. The Fourth, performed by the Berlin Philharmonic, stands out for its dark dramatic thrust and clear-cut attacks: Fricsay emphasizes the motif of fate with decisiveness and attention to contrast, while the Scherzo pizzicato maintains lightness and irony. The Fifth, performed by the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, instead favors lyricism and timbral brilliance; the Andante cantabile resonates with intimate sweetness, and the Valse displays formal grace without sacrificing its underlying tension. The Sixth, "Pathétique," performed by the RIAS Sinfonieorchester, asserts the funereal and sorrowful character with an opening Adagio of rare emotional energy, and a Finale that fades into a plaintive epilogue of extraordinary impact. The overall sound reflects Fricsay's approach: structural delineation, color clarity, and dramatic momentum make this program a compelling and coherent exploration of Tchaikovsky's universe. The wind and string sections engage in precise dialogue, the timpani underscoring the rhythmic contours; the performers offer homogeneity and timbral plasticity. These recordings reveal Fricsay's vision, capable of combining formal discipline and emotional intensity, making each movement distinctive and recognizable. With refined restraint.