http://www.lesdjinns.org/other/Eschenbach%20-%20Tchaikovsky%20Symphony%205,%20Seasons.rar
With Philadelphia Orchestra. + 6 Seasons from Op. 37b, Eschenbach on Piano
This is one of the great Tchaikovsky 5ths, in my opinion.
So I listened to this last night with greatest pleasure along with the early Celibidache. I agree with you now, that the earlier recording is of greater intensity and somehow more natural. I also agree that Eschenbach’s is superior. It glows with the bloom that can only come sometimes, in a live concert. I think Eschenbach brings more flow and more contrast between sections. I’ll post the Dutoit version I bought two nights ago if there is any interest. I know the Dutoit has been highly praised, so it may be a find for some. However, I found it to be rather standard and emotionally underwhelming, especially now compared to Eschenbach. I must note also how much I enjoyed Eschenbach’s piano playing! This was a new discovery for me! Thanks so much for sharing.
Eschenbach is a wonderful pianist - his Beethoven Late Sonatas are quite impressive. Same goes for his Mozart and Haydn recordings.