Yannick Nézet-Séguin is the recently installed music director of the Philadelphia Orchestra, but it’s not that ensemble he leads for this recording of Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony. This is unfortunate, for it’s his being on the Philadelphia podium that arouses interest and curiosity, especially considering that orchestra’s history and reputation with this composer.
The Rotterdam Philharmonic delivers a thoroughly professional and polished performance, as would be expected of any ensemble deemed worthy of recording by a major label. Missing, however, is the distinctive sonority, virtuosity and tonal allure of an orchestra like the Philadelphia. As for Nézet-Séguin, his interpretation is notable for generally quick tempos allied to smooth, non-fussy phrasing. He really pegs the first movement climax, playing up the music’s emotional devastation, and takes the marching scherzo at a swift pace that reminds one of Mravinsky (though without that conductors iron-gripped fierceness).
Nézet-Séguin presents the Finale as a heartfelt, rather than hysterical lament, with beautiful playing from the Rotterdam strings, even if the impassioned climax could use a little more intensity than he provides. Overall it’s a nicely done (and very well recorded) Pathétique — the kind of performance that would be pleasing to hear at a summer evening concert. But it doesn’t stay with you the way Mravinsky, Fricsay, Muti, Gatti and Bernstein (DG) do.
Given the above it’s not surprising that the disc’s novel coupling upstages the main work. Nézet-Séguin and Lisa Batiashvili offer a collection of seven Tchaikovsky Romances transcribed for violin and piano, including the popular “None but the Lonely Heart”, and the yearning “Why”. The gloomy “Night” sounds here like a precursor to the Symphony’s finale, making Nézet-Séguin’s program choice all the more appropriate. The duo performs with sensitivity, color and real feeling throughout all the songs, which makes you eager to hear the vocal versions. They’re quite enjoyable, but if you’d rather not purchase the entire disc to get them (and you’re not averse to downloading) you can buy tracks to your liking from iTunes and other venues.
