Tchaikovsky: Hamlet; The Tempest; Romeo and Juliet – review

Yoking together Tchaikovsky's three orchestral works that were inspired by Shakespeare makes unarguable sense, but it's a surprisingly rare combination on disc. Perhaps the unevenness of the works themselves partly explains that, for while the fantasy overture Romeo and Juliet is one of Tchaikovsky's greatest achievements, the other two works, the Hamlet overture and the early Tempest symphonic fantasy especially, are much more patchy and loosely constructed. Gustavo Dudamel responds well enough to the better quality music in both works, but seems at a loss when it comes to making the most of the moments when the inspiration flags; his account of Romeo and Juliet is perfectly fine, but not exceptional. Tellingly, the Simón Bolívar orchestra has dropped the "Youth" from its title, inviting direct comparisons now with professional orchestras around the world. On that basis, the sound is rather meagre. The climaxes have a full-blooded excitement, but the lack of detail elsewhere is more revealing.