Symphony No. 4 in F minor

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Recordings

Top Choice

Evgeny Mravinsky / Leningrad Philharmonic

1960 Part of a 4-6 set recommendation

Gil's first choice for the set. 'One of the classic recordings... a no-holds-barred outfit... pedal to the metal.' The 4th is 'strongest of all... very assertive and dramatic.'

Also Worth Hearing

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

mid-70s Part of a 4-6 set recommendation

A good alternative set. 'Lush and beautiful' string sound, 'a little bit more soft-grained.'

Claudio Abbado / Vienna Philharmonic

1975

A 'real keeper.' Abbado 'starts it somewhat patiently... but then he really hits those climaxes.'

Ferenc Fricsay / Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra

1952 Mono recording

Mono, but 'sounds really good.' Fricsay 'brings that visceral excitement... grittiness here and just a suaveness.'

Willem Mengelberg / Concertgebouw

1928-1929

Gil's choice if he 'didn't care about sound quality.' 'Very flexible and romantic... it really fits with the Tchaikovsky.'