Tam, the Jansons/ Oslo cycle are still probably the top recommendation for a complete cycle, although the Litton/ Bournemouth is very fine and super-budget price. I have recently acquired the Pletnev/ RNO cycle which I’m getting to know – lots of beautiful orchestral detail, but sometimes a bit wilful with tempi.  Pletnev's recordings of the tone poems + Manfred Symphony are electric, though.

When it comes to the last three symphonies, I’d recommend Mravinsky and the Leningrad PO; there are two recordings, the first in mono (with the 4th conducted by Sanderling) and a stereo set (early 60s, all Mravinsky). Personally, I prefer the latter – wild, impassioned, dramatic playing. Coming bang up to date, there are recordings of the last three with Gergiev conducting the Vienna PO. The pick of these is the 5th which is taken from a live broadcast (no retakes or edits) and it’s absolutely thrilling, confirming this as my favourite Tchaikovsky symphony. Incidentally, it’s being broadcast tonight, somewhere around midnight as far as I can make out…do try and listen – it’s a shattering experience!

bws,

Mark