Roman Simovic - Tchaikovsky: Serenade for Strings; Bartok Divertimento for String Orchestra (2014)

The LSO s magnificent string sound is world renowned and this recording marks the LSO Live debut of the LSO String Ensemble, led by LSO Leader Roman Simovic, who directs a performance of the much loved Tchaikovsky 'Serenade for Strings', together with Bartók s 'Divertimento'. The Serenade has proved to be one of Tchaikovsky s most enduringly popular works, a piece he described as being passionately in love with . Inspired in part by Mozart, its elegant music weaves Russian folk-song, and a fine example of the composer s beloved Waltz, with an elegiac musical centrepiece. Also featured on this release is Bartók s 'Divertimento', one of the composer s last works before leaving Europe for exile in the US. The Divertimento is a highly original work in its own unique idiom, contrasting two buoyant and light-hearted movements with a sombre Adagio in four sections. Roman Simovic, leader of the LSO & the LSO String Ensemble, says of the ensemble s premiere recording, 'I am thrilled every time I direct the LSO Strings. With an incredible amount of energy in just a few days we achieved a huge spectrum of colours in the Tchaikovsky Serenade for Strings and Bartok s Divertimento. We wanted to achieve an intimate chamber sound by relying on our ears and our reactions. Every player realised their own personal importance and impact on this recording and it is a big honour for me to be a part of their team and this recording. I think the LSO Strings are a very special ensemble'.