There is Much More to Tchaikovsky’s Music than Meets the Eye
(c) Petr Kadlec When the conductor Semyon Bychkov was asked to record the complete symphonic works of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky with the Czech Philharmonic for the Decca label, he did not take too long to think it over. The orchestra’s unique sound and the modesty of its players sparked a desire for collaboration in this great expert on Tchaikovsky’s music. Recently he was named the Chief Conductor & Music Director Designate of the Czech Philharmonic from the 2018/19 season. Semyon Bychkov has had an emotional bond with Tchaikovsky’s music from an early age, but the right moment for this meeting of minds has only just arrived. Chance, or perhaps one might say a sign, played a role in this. About a month after the conductor planned the first concerts of his Beloved Friend: Tchaikovsky project with the New York Philharmonic and other foreign orchestras, the offer came from the Czech Philharmoni...