Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony, Prokofiev, Berlioz, Elgar : Temirkanov / St Petersburg Philharmonic (1992)

Yuri Temirkanov at the BBC Proms
Royal Albert Hall, London, 26 August 1992

Berlioz: Le Corsaire Overture, Op. 21
Elgar: Nimrod (from Enigma Variations)
Prokofiev: Romeo and Juliet - Suite No. 1, Op. 64a: Death of Tybalt
Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony, Op. 58
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker: Pas de deux

St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra / Yuri Temirkanov, conductor

Running time: 72 min.
Subtitles: n/a
Menu languages: English
Booklet languages: E/F/G

Representing the first visit to the Proms by the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, this exhilarating and refreshing concert from 1992 sees the orchestra on top form under Yevgeny Mravinsky's esteemed successor, Yuri Temirkanov.

Temirkanov was appointed Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the orchestra four years prior to this recording, having made his debut with them several decades earlier, which lead to his appointment as Mravinsky's assistant conductor in the sixties.

Temirkanov is not averse to making changes to musical scores, and the Manfred Symphony featured on this DVD is subject to a convincing set of alterations, closing with a reprise of the first movement's dark coda, a compelling and appropriate substitute for the customary happy ending.

Temirkanov's profound love of Tchaikovsky's music is evident in this passionate interpretation from an orchestra that was established nearly 130 years ago, and according to Gramophone is one of the top 20 orchestras in the world.

A frequent guest conductor of major orchestras in Europe, Temirkanov and 'his orchestra', were described in the Corriere della Sera (Milan) as 'something unique in world music panorama..

Amazing musicians, everyone is a soloist, but in perfect ensemble and confluence with others.' Temirkanov has received many distinguished awards in Russia, such as the President's Medal from Vladimir Putin, the Abbiati Prize for Best Conductor, and Conductor of the Year in Italy in 2003. Recently, he was made an Honorary Academician of Santa Cecilia.

This is the first DVD release of this material.