Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, Romeo & Juliet

Pletnev conducts the Russian National Orchestra in a convincing and seductive account, with superb recorded sound. Unlike so many lead-weighted recordings, it feels positively airborne. There’s a sparkle and precision to the first fight episode that is one step away from Tchaikovsky’s ballet music, and the love theme is shimmering and sensual. The drama is splendidly paced and gathers drive where it needs to – as it can only when an expert conductor and virtuoso orchestra are as attuned to each other as this.