Two of the most popular romantic Russian piano works from the mid-1870s are heard on this new album from the celebrated Barry Douglas. Lyricism lies at the heart of the twelve movements of Tchaikovsky's 'The Seasons' (1875-76), commissioned by the periodical Nouvelliste to appear monthly, accompanied by poetic epigraphs. Tchaikovsky got his servant to remind him of his duty on a certain day in the month, and composed each piece in a single sitting. Each reflects characteristics of a different month, the style is simple, the mood introspective. While the poetic aspect of The Seasons was prompted by the individual musical contributions, 'Pictures at an Exhibition' (1874) was provoked by a visit which Mussorgsky made to an exhibition of sketches and paintings by his late friend Viktor Hartmann. The technically demanding memorial, a popular genre in Russian romanticism, is here played thoughtfully and sympathetically by Barry Douglas.

Tracklist:

The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: I. January. By The Fireside
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: II. February. Carnival
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: III. March. Song Of The Lark
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: IV. April. Snowdrop
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: V. May. May Nights
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: VI. June. Barcarolle
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: VII. July. Song Of The Reaper
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: VIII. August. The Harvest
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: IX. September. The Hunt
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: X. October. Autumn Song
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: XI. November. Troika
The Seasons, Op. 37a, Th 135: XII. December. Christmas
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade I
Pictures At An Exhibition: I. Gnomus
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade II
Pictures At An Exhibition: II. Il Vecchio Castello
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade III
Pictures At An Exhibition: III. Tuileries (Dispute D'enfants Après Jeux)
Pictures At An Exhibition: IV. Bydło
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade IV
Pictures At An Exhibition: V. Ballet Of Unhatched Chicks In Their Shells
Pictures At An Exhibition: VI. Samuel Goldenberg And Schmuÿle
Pictures At An Exhibition: Promenade V
Pictures At An Exhibition: VII. Limoges, Le Marché (La Grande Nouvelle)
Pictures At An Exhibition: Viiia. Catacombæ (Sepulcrum Romanum)
Pictures At An Exhibition: Viiib. Con Mortuis In Lingua Mortua
Pictures At An Exhibition: IX. The Hut On Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yagá)
Pictures At An Exhibition: X. The Great Gate Of Kiev

UPC: 095115199121
Label: Chandos
Release Date: 11.16.18
Format: CD

Tchaikovsky / Douglas - Tchaikovsky Plus 1 (CD)