Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

The symphonies of Tchaikovsky ran like a thread through conductor Mariss Jansons’ career: it was his cycle from Oslo for Chandos, spearheaded by the Fifth, that for many put him on the musical map. During his tenure at the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra between 2002 and 2015, he’d often return to these works, his clear, unfussy approach allowing the music to speak for itself. Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5 are both characterised by triumph over adversity—the Fourth’s portentous opening fanfare and sorrowful second-movement “Andantino” is in marked contrast to its almost cartoonish finale. The Fifth, meanwhile, has a tougher struggle on its hands, but eventually reaches safe shores in a blaze of glory. Recorded in rich Spatial Audio, these are impactful, colourful and detailed performances.