Tchaikovsky: Ballet Highlights

1. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Scène (Act II-No. 10)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Douglas Cummings , Ida Haendel
Conducted by Andre Previn

2. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Waltz (Act I-No 13) Dance Of The Swans
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Douglas Cummings , Ida Haendel
Conducted by Andre Previn

3. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Allegro Moderato
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Douglas Cummings , Ida Haendel
Conducted by Andre Previn

4. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Andante Non Troppo
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with Douglas Cummings , Ida Haendel
Conducted by Andre Previn

5. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Hungarian Dance (Act III-No. 20)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

6. The Swan Lake, ballet, Op. 20 Spanish Dance (Act III-No. 21)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

7. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Pas D'action (Act I-No. 8a)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra with John Brown
Conducted by Andre Previn

8. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Pas De Caractère (Act III-No. 24)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

9. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Panorama (Act II-No. 17)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

10. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Waltz (Act II-No. 6)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

11. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Pas De Deux (Act III-No. 28)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

12. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Coda (Act III-No. 28)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

13. The Sleeping Beauty, ballet, Op. 66 Finale (Act III-No. 30)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

14. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Ouverture
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

15. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 March (Act I-No. 2)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

16. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Divertissement (Act II-No. 12): Arab
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

17. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Divertissement (Act II-No. 12): Chin
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

18. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Divertissement (Act II-No. 12): Trép
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

19. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Divertissement (Act II-No. 12): Danc
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

20. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy (Act II-No. 14b)
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

21. Nutcracker, ballet, Op.71 Act 2, Waltz Of The Flowers
Composed by Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
Performed by London Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Andre Previn

Tchaikovsky: Ballet Highlights,Douglas Cummings,Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky,André Previn,London Symphony Orchestra,Ida Haendel,John Brown,Angel Records,Ballet,Classical,Classical Music,Romantic Ballet

Average customer rating: Top notch Tchaikovsky from Fiedler and the Boston Pops, 1963

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (Highlights) Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Astral Travel: Your Guide to the Secrets of Out-Of-The-Body Experiences The Music of Time Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty Highlights The Ultimate Journey Far Journeys ASIN: B000003ERX Release Date: 1989-08-30

Tracks:

1. Swan Lake: Act 1: Waltz
2. Swan Lake: Act 2: Dance Of The Swans
3. Swan Lake: Waltz
4. Swan Lake: Dance Of the Queen Of The Swans
5. Swan Lake: Dance Of The Little Swans
6. Swan Lake: Pas de deux
7. Swan Lake: General Dance
8. Swan Lake: Act 3: Intro
9. Swan Lake: Fanfare And Waltz
10. Swan Lake: Hungarian Dance
11. Swan Lake: Spanish Dance
12. Swan Lake: Neapolitan Dance
13. Swan Lake: Mazurka
14. Swan Lake: Act 4: Final Scene

Customer Reviews:

Top notch Tchaikovsky from Fiedler and the Boston Pops, 1963.......2005-10-25

Arthur Fiedler (1894-1979) made this recording of excerpts from "Swan Lake" with the Boston Pops Orchestra in 1963, and the sound is excellent. The playing of the Boston Pops (the Boston Symphony minus first chair players) is very fine: ensemble and intonation are A-1. Fiedler takes some fast, bracing tempos in some movements, such as the "Czardas", and it's really exciting.

My only regret is that the playing time is only 47+ minutes. This is the type of disc you wish would go on longer than the actual playing time. But, that's what REPEAT buttons are for on CD and DVD players, right?

This disc is a great bargain for both sound and playing, and I highly recommend it. I thoroughly enjoyed Fiedler's "Swan Lake", and I've heard other recordings of Swan Lake: excerpts by Ormandy/Philadelphia (Sony), Bernstein/New York (CBS), Abravanel/Utah (MCA), and the complete ballet by Bonynge/National Philharmonic (Decca).

Average customer rating: Serviceable Tchaikovsky Ballet Interpretation by Andre Previn dull previn Tchaikovsky's greatest music.

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker; Sleeping Beauty; Swan Lake (Highlights) Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B00005NPJY Release Date: 2002-08-13

Tracks:

1. Swan Lake, Op.20: Act I. No.2: Waltz
2. Swan Lake, Op.20: Act II. No.10: Scene
3. Swan Lake, Op.20: Act II: No.13. Dance Of The Swans: IV. Allegro Moderato
4. Swan Lake, Op.20: Act II: No.13. Dance Of The Swans: V. Andante Non Troppo - Allegro - Ida Haendel/Douglas Cummings
5. Swan Lake, Op.20: Act III: No.20 Hungarian Dance
6. Swan Lake, Op.20: Act III: No.21 Spanish Dance
7. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act I. No.6: Valse
8. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act I. No.8: Pas D'action: I. Rose Adagio - John Brown
9. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act II. No.17: Panorama
10. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act III. No.24: Puss In Boots
11. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act III: No.28. Pas De Deux: I. Adagio
12. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act III: No.28. Pas De Deux: V. Coda
13. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66: Act III. No.30: Finale - LSO/Andre Previn L
14. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Ov
15. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act I. No.2: March
16. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act II: No.12. Divert: II. Arabian Dance
17. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act II: No.12. Divert: III. Chinese Dance
18. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act II: No.12. Divert: IV. Trepak (Russian Dance)
19. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act II: No.12. Divert: V. Dance Of The Reed Pipes
20. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act II: No.14. Pas De Deux: Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy
21. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Act II. No.13: Waltz Of The Flowers

Customer Reviews:

Serviceable Tchaikovsky Ballet Interpretation by Andre Previn.......2006-12-24

This is a good rendering of three of Tchaikovsky's most well known ballets--Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and the Nutcracker. Andre Previn conducts the London Symphony Orchestra.

The sound is crisp, the orchestra plays handsomely, Previn leads the orchestra well. The Nutcracker, for example, is a nice interpretation and, at Christmas time, adds an enjoyable element to the household as one plays the music.

I would not say that this is an inspired CD, treading new territory in interpreting Tchaikovsky. But it is a well done work and will be pleasing to most listeners.

dull previn.......2005-08-01

i like the playing at times from the london synphony but previns interpertation ruins it.these are great masterpeices that deserve better,iv never liked the way previn does his music to begin with to dull,not a good conductor,and when the london synphony got him in the late 60s he was pretty inexperienced as a conductor of classical music and it shows here

Tchaikovsky's greatest music........2002-09-08

Tchaikovsky was one of the most beloved classical music composers. Many of his compositions -- including his piano and violin concertos -- are among the most popular of all classical compositions. But Tchaikovsky's finest compositions were his three ballets, excerpts of which are presented on this CD. And one of the most outstanding conductors of Tchaikovsky's ballets is Andre Previn. My first recommendation would be to get complete performances of all three of Tchaikovsky's ballets. However, those who wish to sample the highlights of these masterpieces can do no better than this outstanding -- and bargain priced -- CD. This is some of the greatest music ever written by anyone, beautifully performed by a master of the genre.

Average customer rating: Everything is heard Beautiful Amazingly Played!

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Highlights Manufacturer: Delta ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: George Balanchine's The Nutcracker Nutcracker Ballet Nutcracker Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (complete ballet); Wolfgang Sawallisch; Philadelphia Orchestra ASIN: B000001VLK Release Date: 1989-10-06

Tracks:

1. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.2 March
2. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.4 Dance Scene
3. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.5 Scene And The Grandfather Dance
4. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.6 Scene
5. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.7 Scene
6. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.8 Scene
7. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.12 Divertissement
8. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.13 Waltz Of The Flowers
9. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.14 Pas De Deux
10. FAIRY BALLET IN 2 ACTS, OP.71: No.15 Closing Waltz And Grand Finale

Customer Reviews:

Everything is heard.......2002-06-12

The transparency of the recording demonstrates that they had nothing to hide and a lot of articulate beauty to be revealed.

Beautiful.......2001-12-13

What more can I say? This CD is 63 minutes of beautiful music that anyone would love. The orchestra did a wonderful job, and the quality is excellent. This is a great CD for the holidays and definitely great to dance to.

I recommend this CD to everyone.

Amazingly Played!.......2000-07-26

Very amazing! I have never heard anything like this orchestra's performance. Very accurate and the CD clarity is out of this world. I love this CD and will enjoy it at Christmas. I hope you will too!

Average customer rating: one cold bland nutcracker so HOT, it set my speakers on fire...

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete); The Sleeping Beauty (Highlights) Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Opera & Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Similar Items: Swan Lake Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet George Balanchine's The Nutcracker The Sleeping Beauty Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (complete ballet); Wolfgang Sawallisch; Philadelphia Orchestra ASIN: B0000041A8 Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

1. The Nutcracker: Overture
2. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 1: The Christmas Tree
3. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 1: March
4. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 1: Galop & Dance Of The Parents
5. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 1: Dance Scene - The Presents Of Drosselmeyer
6. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 1: Scene - Grandfather Dance
7. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 1: Clara And The Nutcracker
8. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 2: The Nutcracker Battles Against The Army Of The Mouse King - He Wins And Is Transformed Into Prince Charming
9. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 2: In The Christmas Tree
10. The Nutcracker: Act 1, Tableau 2: Scene and Waltz Of The Snowflakes
11. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: The Magic Castle On The Mountain of Sweets
12. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Clara And Prince Charming
13. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Character Dances (Divertissement): A. Chocolate (Spanish Dance)
14. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Character Dances (Divertissement): B. Coffee (Arabian Dance)
15. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Character Dances (Divertissement): C. Tea (Chinese Dance)
16. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Character Dances (Divertissement): D. Trepak (Russian Dance)
17. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Character Dances (Divertissement): E. Dance Of The Reed Pipes
18. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Character Dances (Divertissement) F. Polchinelle (The Clown)

Tracks:

1. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3 (Conclusion): Waltz Of The Flowers
2. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3 - Pas de Deux: Intrada
3. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3 - Pas de Deux: Variation I (Tarantella)
4. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau - Pas de Deux: Varion II (Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy)
5. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau - Pas de Deux: Coda
6. The Nutcracker: Act 2, Tableau 3: Final Waltz And Apotheosis
7. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Introduction And Marche
8. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Scene (The Palace Garden)
9. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Waltz
10. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Aurora's Variation
11. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Panorama
12. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Rose Adagio
13. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Polacca
14. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Vision Of Aurora
15. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): The Lilac Fairy
16. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): The Diamond Fairy
17. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Puss In Boots
18. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Adagio
19. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Russian Dance
20. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Sarabande
21. The Sleeping Beauty, Op. 66 (Highlights): Finale - Apotheosis

Amazon.com

Antal Dorati was probably the great dance conductor of our age, and he pioneered recording the complete Tchaikovsky ballets. He made an outstanding stereo Nutcracker for Mercury Living Presence, and that has been reissued on CD. Fine as that version is, this one is even better because the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra simply plays the music more elegantly than the London Symphony Orchestra on the earlier recording. In fact, this has been the version of choice for a couple of decades now, and it's amazing that it took Philips so long to get the thing onto CD. At two discs for the price of one, however, you'll agree that it was worth the wait. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

one cold bland nutcracker.......2005-07-08

fast tempos at times, bland interpretation,no emotion or magic for that matter this is what you need in this work of tchaikovsky and you dont get it here from dorati,the amsterdam players play well still dorati ruins it.get his sleeping beauty with this same orchestra its better, but if you want a great performence of the nutcracker get ansermet,dutiots complete version with the montreal synphony,or eugene ormandys 1960 version there alot better.

so HOT, it set my speakers on fire..........2004-12-08

I bought this CD from over 30 different choices because of the Philips label; their digital remastering of old stereo recordings is first rate and I expected no less from this recording. Having never heard of the orchestra or the conductor, I was reluctant and unsure of what to expect. Little did I know what legends were performing here! That said...

WHAT A SHOCK!!! I have NEVER heard an orchestra play with such gusto, spark, and verve... I own dozens of classical recordings, but this one is, by far, the most dynamic and passionate. The Nutcracker's overplayed music is freshened by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra with youthful, razor-sharp accuracy, bringing out undercurrents in the score that I never noticed before, even in a live performances. It is wonderfully overwhelming to hear a live orchestra play with mechanized MIDI precision and still find room for an enormous amount of expression.

Antal Dorati's conducting is legendary, to say the least. The orchestra seems to have a spinning sound, with different instruments flying wildly out from a very tight epicenter. The orchestra gets so carried away that at times I worried there would be a musical train wreck, but Dorati holds the reins tightly and the frighteningly fast tempos work, providing a white-knuckle ride. His conducting is reminiscent of Herbert Von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein, though without the erratic speed changes and unnecessary theatrics. He brings out the best in the orchestra time and again, especially in the battle with the Mouse King, the Trepak, and the Pas de Deux.

The result is one of the most exquisitely tight, compact, and lustrous sounds I've ever heard. The recording quality is first rate; no static, hiss, crackles, or splats. The uncanny sparkle in the music makes it sound almost digitally recorded while the dynamic breadth allows for rumbling low notes and shattering high notes. Even Telarc and EMI can't match the crisp clarity of the sound. I had to bust many of my pervious reviews down to 3 or 4 stars because this CD set a new standard for me. Money VERY well spent!

(And if you want The Sleeping Beauty, buy the complete recording by Dorati with the Concertgebouw Orchestra... Fistoulari is good and the recording will put most others to shame, but the LSO is simply not as alive as the Concertgebouw.)

Average customer rating:

Melodiya: The Russian Label - Highlights Manufacturer: Melodiya ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Sacred & Religious | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Vocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Chants | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music ASIN: B000001HCH Release Date: 1995-06-13

Average customer rating:

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake; Sleeping Beauty [Highlights] Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B0009LNQYM Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

1. Scene (Act I)
2. Waltz (Act I)
3. Dance Of The Little Swans (Act II)
4. Scene (Act II)
5. Hungarian Dance (Act III)
6. Spanish Dance (Act III)
7. Neapolitan Dance (Act III)
8. Mazurka (Act III)
9. Introduction. The Lilac Fairy (Act I)
10. Pas D'action. Adagio (Act I)
11. Pas De Caractere. Puss-In-Boots And The White Cat (Act III)
12. Panorama (Act II)
13. Waltz (Act I)

Average customer rating: Ahhh...my lovely Tchaikovsky CD....

Tchaikovsky: The Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Compendia ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Marches | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Chopin: The Greatest Hits Beethoven: The Greatest Hits Mozart: The Greatest Hits Bach: The Greatest Hits Ravel: The Greatest Hits/Debussy ASIN: B000003QWS Release Date: 1994-04-13

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 1: Allegro con spirito
2. The Nutcracker Suite: Miniature Overture
3. The Nutcracker Suite: March
4. The Nutcracker Suite: Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
5. The Nutcracker Suite: Russian Dance: Trepak
6. The Nutcracker Suite: Arabian Dance
7. The Nutcracker Suite: Chinese Dance
8. The Nutcracker Suite: Dance Of The Mirlitons
9. The Nutcracker Suite: Waltz Of The Flowers
10. Serenade For Strings: Andante con troppo; Allegro moderato (Mvt. I)
11. Romeo And Juliet: Overture
12. Coronation March

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 4: Andante sostenuto. Moderato con anima (Mvt. 1)
2. Swan Lake: Scene: The Enchanted Lake (Highlights)
3. Swan Lake: Waltz (Highlights)
4. Symphony No. 6, 'Pathetique': Allegro con grazioso
5. Capriccio Italien
6. The Sleeping Beauty: Pas d'action: Andante
7. 1812 Overture

Customer Reviews:

Ahhh...my lovely Tchaikovsky CD...........2000-06-21

This, and a Grieg CD, is what got me started in classical music! Wonderful selections played lovely. Maybe I'm over rating this CD because it has helped me so much, but it is an excellent intro to Tchaikovsky's music. The Coronation March isn't as frequent as other songs but it is really great! My favorite March! Nice quality and playing. If you don't have this music already, buy it!

Average customer rating: The Best of Sleeping Beauty Hard to Beat EMI and Sleeping Beauty

Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty Highlights Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , George Weldon , and Philharmonia Orchestra Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (Highlights) Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Durante, Solymosi, Dowell, Royal Ballet Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (complete ballet); Wolfgang Sawallisch; Philadelphia Orchestra Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet ASIN: B000059T77 Release Date: 2001-02-27

Tracks:

1. Intro
2. Prologue: No.1 March
3. Prologue: No.2 Dance Scene
4. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Adagio
5. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Var 1
6. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Var 2
7. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Var 3
8. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Var 4
9. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Var 5
10. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Var 6
11. Prologue: No.3 Pas De Six: Coda
12. Prologue: No.4 Finale (Exc)
13. Act I: No.5 Scene
14. Act I: No.6 Waltz
15. Act I: No.8 Pas D'action - Adagio
16. Act I: No.9 Finale
17. Act II: No.10 Entr'acte And Scene
18. Act II: No.17 Panorama
19. Act II: No.19 Symphonic Entr'acte
20. Act II: No.20 Finale
21. Act III: No.21 March
22. Act III: No.22 Polacca
23. Act III: No.23 Pas De Quatre: Var 1 (The Good Witch)
24. Act III: No.23 Pas De Quatre: Var 2 (Diamond)
25. Act III: No.25 Pas De Quatre: Var 1 (Cinderella And Prince...)
26. Act III: No.25 Pas De Quatre: Var 2 (Bluebird And Florisse)
27. Act III: No.25 Pas De Quatre: Coda
28. Act III: No.30 Finale
29. Act III: No.30 Apotheosis

Customer Reviews:

The Best of Sleeping Beauty.......2004-03-04

While the entire score to Peter Tchaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty" is absolutely wonderful, this CD includes the most memorable moments from the ballet in an amazing stereo recording originally released in 1958 by EMI. Listening to the digitally remastered performance, it's hard to imagine that was made so long ago. The sound is crystal clear and, indeed, compares well with today's high-tech digital recordings.

George Weldon, who died all too young in 1963 (while on tour in Australia), was long associated with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, long before Sir Simon Rattle achieved worldwide recognition as musical director of that fine British orchestra. Weldon sought clear, definitive performances from the musicians and this is quite apparent in this recording with London's Philharmonia Orchestra (an ensemble created by the late Walter Legge, primarily to make recordings).

There are many, many fine points in this recording. It certainly shows why Tchaikovsky was such a master melodist and orchestrator. At times one can almost see the spectacular dancing that usually goes with this music. One can also remember the very wonderful story of the sleeping princess who awaits a kiss from a brave, handsome, young price. The Walt Disney animated feature in 1959 brought both Tchaikovsky's music and the story to life. However, the music stands on its own and this recording, modestly priced, is a "must" for any basic classical library.

Hard to Beat EMI and Sleeping Beauty.......2003-07-10

When it comes to great performances of highlights from Tchaikovsky's ballet The Sleeping Beauty, EMI has a plethora of choices all at budget-line prices. I currently own four of them -- featuring conductors Joseph Levine, Andre Previn, Efrem Kurtz and this title by George Weldon. This particular title, from the new EMI Seraphim budget-line, showcases a legendary performance from 1958 captured in golden-age stereo. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Philharmonia Orchestra (basically EMI/British Columbia's "house band") was one of the best orchestras in the world. Mostly Otto Klemperer and Herbert Von Karajan led the Philharmonia, but when other great conductors stepped in, whether it was Weldon, Kurtz, Herbert Menges, Constantin Silvestri or Guido Cantelli, the results were usually just as magical because the orchestra was such a war-horse. There are many great choices available when it comes to Sleeping Beauty, but if you are a novice or a connoisseur you won't be disappointed with this account by Weldon.

Average customer rating: Pristine musicality! Expert theatrical conducting from Kurtz Tchaikovsky From One of The Great Ballet Conductors Terrific Tchaikovsky

Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake, etc. [Highlights] Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00005B5NV Release Date: 2001-07-03

Tracks:

1. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Intro (Moderato Assai)
2. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.2: Valse - Intrada (Tempo Di Valse)
3. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.4: Pas De Trois - Intrada
4. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.4: Pas De Trois - Adagio (Andante Sostenuto)
5. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.4: Pas De Trois - Allegro Semplice - Presto
6. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.4: Pas De Trois - Moderato
7. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.4: Pas De Trois - Allegro
8. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.4: Pas De Trois - Coda (Allegro Vivace)
9. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.5: Pas De Deux - Tempo Di Valse
10. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.5: Pas De Deux - Andante - Allegro - Molto Piu Mosso
11. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.5: Pas De Deux - Tempo Di Valse
12. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act One, No.5: Pas De Deux - Coda (Allegro Molto Vivace)
13. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act Two, No.10: Scene (Moderato)
14. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act Two, No.13: Danse Des Cygnes - Tempo Di Valse
15. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act Two, No.13: Danse Des Cygnes - Moderato Assai - Molto Piu Mosso
16. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act Two, No.13: Danse Des Cygnes - Allegro Moderato
17. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act Two, No.13: Danse Des Cygnes - Andante - Andante Non Troppo
18. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Act Three, No.20: Danse Hongroise - Czardas (Moderato Assai - Allegro...)
19. Swan Lake, Op.20 (Hlts): Appendix II: Danse Russe (Cadenza - Andante Semplice - Allegro Vivo)
20. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Intro
21. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Prologue, No.2: Scene Dansante/No.3: Pas De Six
22. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Prologue - Adagio
23. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Prologue - Var IV.
24. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Prologue - Var V.
25. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act One, No.6: Valse/No.8: Pas D'action
26. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act One - Adagio 'A La Rose

Tracks:

1. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Var D'Aurore
2. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.22: Polonaise
3. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.23: Pas De Quatre
4. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three - Var II. (La Fee-d' Argent)
5. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three - Var IV. (La Fee-diamant)
6. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three - Coda
7. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.25: Pas De Quatre - Intrada
8. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.25: Pas De Quatre - Var I.
9. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.25: Pas De Quatre - Var II.
10. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.25: Pas De Quatre - Coda
11. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.26: Pas De Caractere - Chaperon Rouge Et Le Loup
12. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.28: Pas De Deux - Entree
13. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.28: Pas De Deux - Adagio
14. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.28: Pas De Deux - Var II.
15. Sleeping Beauty, Op.66 (Hlts): Act Three, No.28: Pas De Deux - Coda
16. The Nutcracker, Op.71: No.30, Finale & Apotheose
17. The Nutcracker, Op.71: Ov
18. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.2: Marche
19. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.3: Petit Galop Des Enfants Et Entree Des Parents
20. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.8: Scene
21. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.9: Valse Des Flocons De Neige/No.12: Divertissement - Le Chocolat...
22. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.12: Divertissement - Le Chocolat
23. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.12: Divertissement - Le Cafe
24. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.12: Divertissement - Le The
25. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.12: Divertissement - Trepak
26. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.12: Divertissement - Danse Des Mirlitons
27. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.13: Valse Des Fleurs
28. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.14: Pas De Deux (La Fee Dragee Avec Le Prince Orgeat)
29. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.14: Var I. (Trantella)
30. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.14: Var II. (Danse De La Fee Dragee)
31. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.14: Coda
32. The Nutcracker, Op.71 No.15: Valse Finale

Customer Reviews:

Pristine musicality!.......2006-08-10

Despite of the fact I have always wondered around the prestigious performance of Efrem Kurtz as suggestive depicter of atmospheres and dreamy sonorities, the time has not placed him in a better place at the moment to make any account of genuine brilliantness and sheer musical architect. Kurtz was undeniably, a genuine colorist, one of these directors of the lineage of Anatole Fistulari or Isaac Dobrowen for instance, a fine conductor whose radiant imagination fitted as ring to finger in this peerless and gild version. The Philharmonia Orchestra as always featuring a remarkable performance.

This record constitutes by itself a magnificent opportunity to approach him. Don't miss this celebrated performance.

Expert theatrical conducting from Kurtz.......2006-05-22

The Russian-born Efrem Kurtz was a famous conductor in the ballet pit, as the review below makes clear. Like antal Dorati and Robert Irving, two other estimable conductors who had a precise feeling for danceable rhythms, Kurtz puts a spring in every number on this bargain two-fer. But the late-Fifties sound is a bit thin and edgy, and since these are excerpts and not complete ballets, they compete against some great Tchaikovsky conductors in the symphonic vein: Karajan and levine are faovrites of mine in this repertoire (their selection of excerpts is only half as long as Kurtz's, however).

Certainly I would prefer Kurtz over Andre Previn, who also has bargain offerings of these three ballets on EMI but sounds earthbound by comparison. John Lancbery's super-bargain disc of excerpts from Swan Lake is another good alternative--EMI is bursting at the seams with Tchaikovksy ballets once you count in the Sawallisch accounts from Philadelphia, which are at least as good and better played than the Previn.

Tchaikovsky From One of The Great Ballet Conductors.......2005-05-09

Efrem Kurtz (1900-1995), born in St. Petersburg and a student of Glazunov, was one of the great Russian ballet conductors. This excellent 2-disc EMI set contains excerpts from Tchaikovsky's three great Ballets: Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Recorded 1958-59 in London's late lamented Kingsway Hall, these performances sound better here than they did on my old Seraphim LPs. Frankly, they sound better than most recent digital recordings, too: warm and clear sonics, with realistic balances. These are beautifully-shaped and subtly-phrased readings, and the Philharmonia back then was one of the world's greatest ensembles. The violin solos in Swan Lake are played with great sensitivity by Yehudi Menuhin.

Kurtz made too few recordings. Most of them were with the Philharmonia and included a scorching Shostakovich 10th (on Testament - see my review). Another indispensable example of his mastery was a 2-disc CD set of Russian music in EMI's deleted "Artist Profile" series, which I felt was generally a more successful recording enterprise than the recent IMG "Great Conductors" series.

Besides Kurtz, here are some other conductors who had a great affinity for Tchaikovsky's ballet music:

1. JOHN LANCHBERY, born 1923 in London, was head of Sadler's Wells and was chief conductor at the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden. He recorded my favorite complete versions of all three Tchaikovsky ballets for EMI (1982, with the Philharmonia) . They were later issued on 8 well-transferred CDs by MHS (currently out of print). Many serious ballet connoiseurs (I'm just a casual listener who doesn't attend ballets with any frequency) feel that Lanchbery had the most unerring sense of DANCEABLE tempos and theatrical drama in the business. I definitely prefer Lanchbery to Previn, who bores me to tears, and to Dorati's fast and hard-boiled Mercury recordings (although his readings are highly regarded in some quarters). Some excerpts from Lanchbery's sets have appeared on Seraphim CDs, but they suffer from that budget label's typically dull transfers .

2. ROGER DESORMIERE (1893-1963), France's leading ballet conductor, recorded (early 1950's) excerpts from all three ballets. The performances have a sophisticated elan that remains unique. The EMI CD issues of Swan Lake & Nutcracker (the latter is my favorite version of just the suite) are out of print, but some wonderful Sleeping Beauty selections are still available on Testament (see my review).

3. ANATOLE FISTOULARI (1907-1995), a child prodigy who conducted Tchaikovsky's "Pathetique" Symphony in Kiev when he was age 7 (!), recorded lovely excerpts from Swan Lake & Nutcracker in the 1950's with the London Symphony. Those fine mono Decca recordings have yet to make it to CD (mine are part of a 5-LP Richmond set called "The World's Greatest Ballet Music"). Sidenote: Fistoulari married Mahler's daughter Anna.

4. YURI FAYER (1890-1971), another Kiev-born conductor, was chief conductor of the Bolshoi Ballet for about four decades before retiring in 1963. He conducted over 400 (!) performances of Swan Lake, and in the early 1950's he made largely complete recordings of all three ballets. These appeared in the U. S. on the Colosseum LP label (pretty lousy dubs of Soviet originals). Hopefully, some reputable label will get them out on CDs in decent sound. They are marvelous performances.

Stokowski recorded Tchaikovsky on various labels - his Sleeping Beauty excerpts on Cala 0522 are outrageously mannered and absolutely GREAT fun. Knappertsbusch's Nutcracker Suite with the Vienna Phil. (Decca) is surprisingly engaging. Beecham's witty 1958 live Nutcracker Suite (op. 71a) can be heard on M&A CD 631. Tchaikovsky's ballet music is a very pleasant way to compare the merits of various conductors from the past.

Highly recommended.

Terrific Tchaikovsky.......2003-07-19

This is a terrific CD of highlights from Tchaikovsky's great ballets, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, by Efrem Kurtz and the Philharmonia Orchestra, originally recorded in the late 1950s. There are many great recordings of the ballet highlights available on one CD -- some notables are by Karajan, Previn, Bernstein, Rostropovich and Ansermet (see my review of the latter) -- but few that stretch the highlights out over two CDs. This is great for someone who does not want the complete ballets (which occupy five to six discs), but does want a little more music than the oft-heard nuggets. This Double Forte set also has appeal for the serious collector because Kurtz and the Philharmonia always made memorable music together. I have enjoyed comparing this disc of highlights to those by Markevitch and Weldon with the Philharmonia (see my review of the latter) in order to listen to the same orchestras play the same music from approximately the same time period, yet with different conductors. There are many great choices available when it comes to excerpts of the Tchaikovsky Ballets, but if you are a novice or a connoisseur you won't be disappointed with this account by Kurtz.

Average customer rating: Delightful, wonderful &c. As good as it gets

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Highlights) Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Tchaikovsky | Tchaikovsky, Peter Ilyich | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Holiday Music | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Holiday Music | Miscellaneous | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Classical Instrumental | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music Under $7 | Today's Deals | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (Highlights) Pytor Illych Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker - Complete Ballet Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake (complete ballet); Wolfgang Sawallisch; Philadelphia Orchestra White Christmas A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special ASIN: B00001ZSXE Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Overture
2. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act I - Scene I - I. The Decoration Of The Christmas Tree
3. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act I - Scene I - II. March
4. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act I - Scene I - VII. The Battle
5. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act I - Scene I - VIII. The Forest Of Fir Trees In Winter
6. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act I - Scene II - IX. Waltz Of The Snowflakes
7. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - X. Confiturembourg (The Kingdom Of Sweets)
8. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XII. Divertissement: - Chocolate (Spanish Dance)
9. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XII. Divertissement: - Coffee (Arab Dance)
10. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XII. Divertissement: - Tea (Chinese Dance)
11. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XII. Divertissement: - Gigue (English Dance)
12. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XII. Divertissement: - Trepak (Russian Dance)
13. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XII. Divertissement: - Dance Of The Mirlitons
14. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XII. Divertissement: - Mother Gigogne
15. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XIII. Waltz Of The Flowers
16. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XIV. a. Pas de deux
17. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XIV. - Variation I: Tarantella
18. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XIV. - Variation II: Sugar-Plum Fairy - Coda
19. The Nutcracker - Highlights: Act II - XV. Finale Waltz And Apotheosis

Customer Reviews:

Delightful, wonderful &c........2003-12-08

Not many people know about John Lanchbery. He was a wonderful ballet conductor in the '60s and he was a composer too: he wrote, among other things, the music for a ballet film called "Tales Of Beatrix Potter". (Now, if you don't know that film or that music, you have to check it out - be ready to make a friend for life. It's Frederick Ashton and the Covent Garden and boy is it something. It was, as if this weren't good enough, directed by Reginald Mills, who edited THE dance film: Michael Powell's "The Red Shoes"). Now - as to this disc: a fine hour-long condensation of this long and variegated score. It's a
well-articulated, even idiosyncratic performance - not exactly smooth and creamy like Ormandy and the Philadelphia's, and this is a good thing. We've all heard this music so many times, the last thing we want is something nondescript. Lancbery swings the hell out of this music, and he gives us detail, depth, and cogency too. The Philharmonia sound great, particularly the brass, as well as the woodwinds (who get a lot to do in this score). In short, it's a winner - maybe not as polished as some others, but tons of heart, which is ultimately what counts with this music. Get it and trip the light fantastic.

As good as it gets.......2002-07-17

Since a small child, I have loved the music from "The Nutcracker." This CD does not disappoint, more importantly, it is a good value with all the full body of a professional orchestra, all the many different pieces are performed, and I was flooded with pleasant memories as I listened raptly. I'm glad I bought it. This will be a wonderful addition to anyone's classical music CD library.

Music Review:

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2. The Incomparable Callas (Favourite Arias)
3. To Chopin with Love
4. Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer; Lohengrin; Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg; Tannhäuser; Tristan und Isolde
5. Wolf: Italienisches Liederbuch
6. 24 Concert Etudes -- The Classical Guitar of Doug Smith
7. 5 Héroïnes [Box set]
8. Bach Preludes and Fugues, Vol. 3 (Well-Tempered Clavier)
9. Bach: Six Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006
10. Baroque Dreams for Flute

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