Although often overlooked by lovers of his most grand music for the concert hall, there is no doubt that Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky had a passionate love affair with the operatic stage. Audiences in the West who have doted for decades over works such as his “1812”, “Pathetique” symphony and First Piano Concerto may be enlightened to experience any of the ten complete operas penned by the composer who, in 1885 and at the pinnacle of his career, wrote “Regarding the lofty significance of symphony and chamber music in comparison with opera, let me say that to refrain from writing operas is the effort of a hero.... This heroism does not exist in me, the stage with all its glitter attracts me irresistibly”.

Ghena Dimitrova recorded this great recital in the nineties at the peak of her career.