Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky had to be one of the most varied composers in all of classical music. He's primarily known for his symphonic works which include his symphonies, orchestral suites, orchestral works such as "The 1812 Overture," "March Slave," and "Romeo and Juliet" to name a few. This does not include his operas such as EUGENE ONEGIN and PIQUE DAME, and majestic ballet scores such as SWAN LAKE and THE NUTCRACKER Classical music fans may be well aware of his works for larger venues, but may be less familiar with the large number of songs and pieces for piano composed by Tchaikovsky. "None But The Lonely Heart" is probably the best known of Tchaikovsky's songs and it is the title of album of Tchaikovsky's songs arranged for solo violin and orchestra called NONE BUT THE LONELY HEART.

While most of the pieces were originally written for solo voice and piano, the arrangements of this collection seem to come alive through the artistry of violinist Takako Nishizaki and the accompaniment of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Peter Breiner. While saying a phrase like "Ms. Nishizaki makes her violin sing," may be cliché, (since these pieces were originally vocal works, it may also be a bad pun), but she does make her violin sing. The pieces have all the melodious characteristics that we associate with Tchaikovsky music, and the orchestrations have the Russian flair Tchaikovsky fans love.

NONE BUT THE LONELY HEART has a soothing and calming effect is the perfect recording for relaxation. It is also a great collection to add variety to a classical music collection.

Just like Beatle fans flocked to whatever they did, so does Tchaikovsky's. I guess I'm one of them! I've enjoyed other Peter Breiner/Takako Nishizaki efforts on Naxos, so I was compelled to purchase this disc. Tchaikovsky in his day composed over 100 little known songs based on poems about all facets of life in general. Skilfully orchestrated by maestro Breiner and solo violin(in place of vocalist)performed by Nishizaki, we get a nice symphonic light 75min. plus program.

Sorry, nothing extraordinary here, just nice background music for whatever relaxation. "None But The Lonely Heart" based on a Goethe's song for a gypsy waif, one of the better arrangements, has been penned by Beethoven and Schubert among others. If you want to take a break from the over played ballets you will find these arrangements characteristic of Tchaikovsky; just not his greatest hits material. Spacious and warm recording!

The violin music of Tchaikovsky deserves a well made c d. The volumn on this c d is very poor .

"Takako Nishizaki is one of the most frequently recorded and among the best selling violinists of all time." That's nice. Please go home. Get some rest. I compare her string tone to scratching on blackboards. Her thin wheedling is a dreadful match for Tchaikovsky's music; perhaps better suited for an oriental concerto such as the Butterfly Lovers, but basically unpleasant for one who enjoys the robust tone of a Keylin, Barton, or Bisengaliev. Peter Breiner does his customary exemplary job of orchestrating. Tis a shame Ms. Nishizaki distracts from it.