Tchaikovsky Symphonies Nos. 4, 5 & 6

“Extremely Impressive, quite passionate with tremendous spirit. Elegant, thoughtful, well-balanced and sophisticated...the Fourth conveys a sense of Joy, the Fifth is quite passionate – just listen to the first movement’s white-hot coda, or to how the orchestra dig into the finale with audible gusto. The Sixth is also a fine performance with a good sense of overall structure and sensitive attention to detail.… parts emerge like newly scrubbed details in a restored painting…Bernard and his musicians frequently shed new and valuable light on a thrice-familiar standard, abetted by a recorded ambiance that evokes concert hall realism.”

“Here’s a fascinating set: Tchaikovsky’s last three symphonies, played by a lesser-known but quite capable orchestra led by an imaginative conductor with an innovative approach, all recorded with a sound that differs considerably from what we might call the norm…The result is an intimate atmosphere for an interpretation that feels like a musical conversation between composer and listener… balance and coherence within the context of a first-rate performance …I have rarely heard any recording that was so thoroughly engaging and that produced such deep emotional connection... All in all, easily recommendable.”

“Conductor David Bernard has organized and conducted orchestras such as this Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, bringing them up to excellence in concerts and recordings... The Park Avenue Chamber Symphony players are to be congratulated... The sunny, optimistic, heroic and arguably the most beautiful of the three, Symphony No.5 in E Minor and the soul-searching gut wrenching but noble and magnificent Symphony No.6 in B Minor, the “Pathetique” are given equally fine performances. The "Pathetique" is a thoroughly convincing performance. Following the lugubrious opening measures, the Allegro non troppo of the first movement is spirited and elegant, the well-balanced phrasing clearly articulated, featuring a deft interplay between woodwinds and strings. The second movement “waltz” (in 5/4 time) is all grace and charm, while the brisk third movement march provides a perfect showcase for the ensemble’s stirring brass section before the anguished and despairing finale. It has a certain energy and style all its own.

As a distinguishing feature I noticed the conductor’s obvious effort to bring out all that’s written down in the score thus exposing internal voices I’ve not heard before. But what impressed me most is Bernard and his orchestra’s tremendous enthusiasm and love of this music that one can feel. It shows as if it were a live performance which is not easy to achieve. Recommended.”

"First-class, poised, refreshingly clean and gimmick-free. Bernard's instincts are excellent. Merits legitimate consideration."

"These well-crafted definitive recordings explore the inspirations and motivations that drove Tchaikovsky’s quest to craft his brilliant Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Symphonies…This latest triumph work of Maestro Bernard and the Symphony reminds us not only of the importance of orchestral music but also the historical, humanistic value of late 19th-century music that redefined the symphonic genre and established Tchaikovsky as one of the foremost composers of his time….The PACS captured each work’s rich orchestral palette, lush harmonies, and keen sense of drama while conveying the music’s emotional depth…These recordings are groundbreaking in their contemporary exploration of emotional depth and psychological complexity that paved the way for later composers to probe further into personal expression and introspection."

“...a sober, reflective account lacking in overt hysteria...a winning stoicism...it’s difficult to resist a third movement which exudes such positivity. The slow finale’s close is resigned but not despairing…”

“Bernard’s shaping is unsurpassed in dramatic effectiveness…the clarity he gives to the varied voices is a joy.”