Tchaikovsky: Serenade and Andante Cantabile / Shostakovich: Chamber Symphony

The Australian Chamber Orchestra, under its Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, is one of the world’s most daring and exciting ensembles, renowned globally for its inspired performances and individuality. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, with this album the Australian Chamber Orchestra brings their unique energy and excitement to this thrilling recording of two chamber orchestra masterpieces: the Romantic splendour of Tchaikovsky’s joyful 'Serenade for Strings', and Shostakovich’s dark, visceral 'Chamber Symphony' – a pairing that underscores the breadth of Russia’s unique musical and cultural history.

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Tchaikovsky’s 'Serenade for String Orchestra' is one of the composer’s most heartfelt pieces, blending lush Romanticism with the clarity, wit and elegance of his hero Mozart. Tchaikovsky was one of music’s greatest melodists, and the opening movement, after its grand and stately opening, rollicks along with a tune that is filled with expressive beauty. A graceful Waltz follows, revealing a Mozartian lightness in Tchaikovsky’s subtle elaboration of its textures and melodies. In the third movement Elegy, Tchaikovsky reaches into something very deep and personal, without ever losing the charm and magic that characterise the Serenade as a whole. For the Finale, Tchaikovsky reimagines the treasures of Russian folksong to bring the Serenade to a dancing finish.