Tschaikowsky and Arensky (CD, Channel Classics)

Tchaikovsky: Serenade; Arensky: String Quartet No.2 Tchaikovsky’s Serenade is one of the most beautiful works ever written for string ensemble, and it has been frequently performed by Amsterdam Sinfonietta since it’s establishment in 1988. Arensky wrote his String Quartet No.2 in memory of Tchaikovsky, with whom he was friends. Arensky’s homage overflows with melancholy and dark tone colors. The middle movement, based on a song by Tchaikovsky, was later arranged by Arensky for string orchestra. Amsterdam Sinfonietta took upon itself to arrange and perform the entire quartet. In Tchaikovsky’s footsteps, Arensky made use here of religious chant and motifs from Russian folk music.