The Tchaikovsky Project is characterised by the way in which the
orchestra and conductor have applied exhaustive research methodology to
create a deep understanding for the works as whole entities. While the
Czech Philharmonic was already recognised for its relationship to the
music of Tchaikovsky, The Tchaikovsky Project has involved rigorous
exploration of works previously not known to the orchestra; for example
the Manfred Symphony. Equally important to the project, and equally
rigorous, has been the rediscovery of pieces which have already been
recorded countless times by the world’s orchestras – and through
expansive research and studying of the scores finding the motivation,
need and urgency to record them again.
The Tchaikovsky Project is characterised by the way in which the
orchestra and conductor have applied exhaustive research methodology to
create a deep understanding for the works as whole entities. While the
Czech Philharmonic was already recognised for its relationship to the
music of Tchaikovsky, The Tchaikovsky Project has involved rigorous
exploration of works previously not known to the orchestra; for example
the Manfred Symphony. Equally important to the project, and equally
rigorous, has been the rediscovery of pieces which have already been
recorded countless times by the world’s orchestras – and through
expansive research and studying of the scores finding the motivation,
need and urgency to record them again.
The first recording instalment in The Tchaikovsky Project in 2016 –
the Pathétique Symphony No. 6 coupled with the Romeo & Juliet
Fantasy-Overture – was followed by the Manfred Symphony in 2017. The
review of the former in Gramophone, where it was made Editor’s Choice,
commended the “powerful, devastating” Pathétique and its critic wrote of
the Fantasy-Overture that “it feels personal in a way that the warm,
homespun playing of the Czech Philharmonic only accentuates.” About the
recording of the Manfred Symphony, The Sunday Times – where the disc was
Album of the Week as well as one of the 100 Best Records of The Year –
noted that “this outstanding issue makes one look forward to the other
five canonical symphonies with impatience.”
Prior to recording each piece, the orchestra and Semyon Bychkov
performed them live in concerts – then stepped away for a time before
recreating them in recording. While working in the studio, every
orchestra member had the chance to listen back to the audio between
takes and was encouraged to voice any feelings of need for another
take – a working method emphasising the individual ownership and
responsibility of each player; and the importance of the individual to
the whole.
As a transitional project into new
leadership, The Tchaikovsky Project has allowed for a strong and
auspicious start of the Czech Philharmonic’s creative partnership with
its new Music Director and Chief Conductor. The project, signified by
complete immersion into a composer’s world in the concert hall as well
as recording studio, is emblematic of Semyon Bychkov’s in depth way
of working – and the first of several journeys of its kind for the Czech
Philharmonic. They will next delve into the music of Mahler, furthering
their fusion of traditions of the East and West.
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