Andre Previn began his UK recording career by making a series of outstanding recordings for RCA, notably the Vaughan Williams symphonies in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Then he moved to EMI with whom he had an equally fruitful period, and this Tchaikovsky triptych was one of the great early successes, a dominating recommendation ever since. Whether or not EMI are justified in issuing the CD at premium price is another matter, for although the recording still sounds splendid—notably in the richness of ambience, the bass resonance and weight that is so necessary in these scores—the singing violins have their upper range slightly restricted and internal detail is not sharp. Once one adjusts to this the warmth and amplitude of the sound picture are very satisfying and it is not untruthful—there is a hall at blackburn, Lancashire, near where I live, where Tchaikovsky sounds gorgeous in much the same way that this CD does: the effect slightly clouded by the resonance, although the 'top' comes through better to one's seat.
The performances here are as fine as any in the catalogue: the overall control of structure and tension is masterly, not only in Romeo and Juliet, but in 1812 also, which is exciting but does not sound like a free-for-all. Marche slave is weighty without being heavy, and vigorous too. In short, with the reservations noted, this is very enjoyable, but with only 47 minutes, over-priced.'