At age 14, I had the very first experience as a member of a symphony orchestra. I became a member of the second violin section, and now, more than 50 years later I am convinced that this experience totally changed my life.
As a result of the rehearsal process, I gained an understanding of many composers and their works. Of cause my instrument skills improved, and also I began to explore the life history of these composers to further understand how their life experience related to their music.
I recall the rehearsals for the Symphony number 5 by Tchaikovsky. I have loved this music since I first became familiar with it.
Now there is a new recording of the Fifth, along with the symphonies numbers 1 and 2.
Tchaikovsky:
Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13 ‘Winter Daydreams’
Symphony No. 2 in C minor, Op. 17 ‘Little Russian’
Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64
Performed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko conducting.
Here is the final movement from the Symphony #5 by Tchaikovsky:
