‘The variety and subtlety of the textures make demands not only on performers but on the recording process, and all is well managed here. Simovic sets the Serenade off in stately, ceremonial style, drawing great warmth and depth of tone from the orchestra.’
- Gramophone
The LSO’s magnificent string sound is world renowned and this recording marks the LSO Live debut of the LSO String Ensemble, led by LSO Leader Roman Simovic, who directs a performance of the much loved Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings, together with Bartók’s Divertimento.
The Serenade has proved to be one of Tchaikovsky’s most enduringly popular works, a piece he described as being “passionately in love with”. Inspired in part by Mozart, its elegant music weaves Russian folk-song, and a fine example of the composer’s beloved Waltz, with an elegiac musical centrepiece.
Also featured on this release is Bartók’s Divertimento, one of the composer’s last works before leaving Europe for exile in the US. The Divertimento is a highly original work in its own unique idiom, contrasting two buoyant and light-hearted movements with a sombre Adagio in four sections.
Serenade for Strings in C Major
1. I. Pezzo in forma di sonatina: Andante non troppo – Allegro moderato
2. II. Valse: Moderato – Tempo di valse
3. III. Elegie: Larghetto elegiaco
4. IV. Finale (Tema russo): Andante – Allegro con spirito
Divertimento for String Orchestra
5. I. Allegro ma non troppo
6. II. Molto adagio
7. III. Allegro assai
