Mariss Jansons conducts Tchaikovsky: Symphony 5

The symphonic poem “Francesca da Rimini” stands opposite one of Tchaikovsky’s most popular works on this SACD – the Symphony No. 5 in E minor. The poetic-dramatic work “Francesca da Rimini”, based on an episode from Dante’s “Inferno”, which unfolds a splendid and captivating tableau ranging from lyrical passages with a beguiling wealth of colour all the way to dramatic-theatrical outbursts. No question about it: Mariss Jansons has just the right pinch of “Russian soul” to bring out both these works in their full power: the recordings in October 2009 and July 2010 reveal the conductor in perfect unity with his orchestra, a combination capable of bringing ecstasy and control into perfect balance here.