★★★★★ Gergiev commits himself to Tchaikovsky's world, producing a thrilling, virtuosic reading that is ultimately devastating

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6

I've been guilty in the past of neglecting Tchaikovsky's symphonic masterpieces. They are so familiar, and besides, there's an astronomical number of recordings on the market that all sound practically the same. It's unfair to Tchaikovsky, though, as his symphonies are true masterpieces. It's essential, I think, that the listener choose readings that are truly inspired.

And this reading with Valery Gergiev and the Vienna Philharmonic is enlightening in every way. I'm impressed with Gergiev's natural flow, which is sweeter than I would have imagined. He's far from being merely refined, but this is the same Vienna Phil that recorded the ballet suites with Levine (another must-have disc), and you can tell. There's great energy to Gergiev's conducting, though. The first movement unfolds with a sense of tragedy.There's a way to highlight the melancholy without wallowing in it, and Gergiev isn't focused on isolated moments but on the drama as a whole. You're swept along, but there's no impatience, just the sense that the music is unfolding before your eyes.

In the second movement, Gergiev moves faster, but instead of feeling rushed, there is a great feeling of urgency. This is far from being a dirge; it's soulful with a strong bittersweet sense and the Vienna strings are achingly gorgeous. There's a striking verve and flow at the start of the 3rd movement, which Gergiev takes at a faster pace. Again, it's his eye for the flow as a whole that grabs the ear. The virtuosity of the Vienna Phil is worthy to go up against practically any other reading, but the push and drive Gergiev applies is far above average. I'm not sure if I've ever heard more energy. The secret, though, is that Gergiev uses the drive to make the music sparkle. There's no feeling of oppression, although the weight is undeniable.

We instantly dig into the finale with unmistakable grief. It's poignant and heartrending while still having a strong spontaneous feel. Gergiev lets it unravel by itself even as he builds the line with strong conviction. Gergiev allows great rubato and tempo fluctuation, which adds to the humanity of the work. It seems to be coming straight from the heart, with devastating impact.   

I can't recommend this reading enough, which shoots to the top of my favorites list, alongside Karajan, Bernstein, Jansons (his BR remake), and Pappano.