Customer Reviews

Leo Delibes: Coppelia

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While Delibes' score is treated well in this CD, its marvelous execution leave me wanting. The orchestration is wonderful, and the movements are artfully conducted. The problem is that there are a full 10 sections of the score that are missing from this offering. Considering the quality of this recording, it is a pity.

This version of Coppelia has a lot going for it: the czardas is stirring, the "musique des automates" has a charming music-box quality, and the waltz of the hours practically dances. In fact, the only drawback is that the score is not complete. Some of the missing tracks are simply bridge music, but the Act I mazurka is a real loss. So, much as I like Ermler as a conductor, I'd recommend the wonderfully inexpensive Mogrelia version from Naxos (ASIN: B00000147M). It's a two-CD set, with bonus tracks from La Source. Another, more expensive alternative is Bonynge's three-CD set (ASIN: B000026CFV), with all three Delibes' ballets: Coppelia, Sylvia, and La Source. Bonynge keeps a faster tempo than Mogrelia, but both versions are definitely conducted for the ballet, not the concert hall.
Of course, if you love Delibes as much as I do, you might like the Ermler just for contrast. Of the three conductors, he's the one with a Russian style.