Tschaikowsky - Berliner Philharmoniker, Karajan – 6 Symphonien

Tchaikovsky – 6 Symphonies
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Herbert von Karajan

This expansive collection brings together all six of Tchaikovsky’s symphonies in performances that reflect the grandeur, intensity, and emotional sweep of one of the Romantic era’s most distinctive symphonic voices. Under Herbert von Karajan, the Berlin Philharmonic delivers a sound of remarkable precision, weight, and lush orchestral colour.

From the youthful lyricism of Symphony No. 1 “Winter Dreams” to the emotionally charged finale of the Pathétique, this cycle traces Tchaikovsky’s artistic journey in full. Early works already reveal his gift for melody and atmosphere, while the “Little Russian” Symphony No. 2 incorporates folk-inspired elements with rhythmic vitality and charm.

The “Polish” Symphony No. 3 expands into broader symphonic architecture, while Symphony No. 4 introduces the famous “fate” motif that binds the work’s emotional narrative together. In Symphony No. 5, themes of struggle and redemption dominate, culminating in a triumphant yet questioning finale.

The cycle concludes with Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique,” one of the most deeply personal and emotionally devastating works in the repertoire. Its final movement - slow, fading, and unresolved—remains one of the most powerful endings in all of classical music.

Karajan’s approach emphasises structural unity, sonic richness, and dramatic inevitability, making this set a defining interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s symphonic legacy.

Tracklist:

Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13 “Winter Dreams”
1-1. I. Allegro tranquillo – 11:39
1-2. II. Land der Öde, Land der Nebel – 12:04
1-3. III. Scherzo – 7:55
1-4. IV. Finale – 12:43

Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17 “Little Russian”
1-5. I. Andante sostenuto – Allegro vivo – 11:00
1-6. II. Andantino marziale – 8:01
2-1. III. Scherzo – 5:42
2-2. IV. Finale – 10:09

Symphony No. 3 in D major, Op. 29 “Polish”
2-3. I. Moderato assai – 14:29
2-4. II. Alla tedesca – 8:13
2-5. III. Andante elegiaco – 8:09
2-6. IV. Scherzo – 5:58
2-7. V. Finale – 9:32

Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36
3-1. I. Andante sostenuto – 18:47
3-2. II. Andantino in modo di canzona – 9:02
3-3. III. Scherzo – 5:45
3-4. IV. Finale – 8:22

Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
3-5. I. Andante – Allegro con anima – 15:40
3-6. II. Andante cantabile – 14:31
4-1. III. Valse – 6:32
4-2. IV. Finale – 12:24

Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 “Pathétique”
4-3. I. Adagio – Allegro non troppo – 18:22
4-4. II. Allegro con grazia – 9:02
4-5. III. Allegro molto vivace – 8:26
4-6. IV. Finale: Adagio lamentoso – 9:53