Customer Reviews

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete); Swan Lake Suite

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As the last of Tchaikovsky's ballets, "The Nutcracker" features some of the most interesting harmonic and rhythmic textures of the Romantic era. It's a popular subject for recording. At present, we have versions by Valery Gergiev, Charles Mackerras, Antal Dorati, Eugene Ormandy, Andre Previn, Richard Bonynge, and many others. All are fine in their own right, but the best recordings of the ballet tend to be among the most overlooked: Mariss Janson's atmospheric take with the London Philharmonic, Arthur Rodzinski's somewhat quirky rendering with the Royal Philharmonic, and John Lanchbery's theatrically insightful performance with the Philharmonia Orchestra (the complete recording currently unavailable in the U.S., but an almost-complete selection of highlights [including Lanchbery's orchestration of the English Dance cut from the original production] is available for a steal). Perhaps the most underrated recording of "Nutcracker" is this 1961 account from Greek-born, Swiss-American Jewish conductor Maurice Abravanel with the Utah Symphony Orchestra. Yes, you read correctly: the Utah Symphony Orchestra.

Despite the lack of cachet of the orchestra, this "Nutcracker" is exemplary: clear, warm and brimming with energy. The Utah musicians produce a beautiful sound that works delightfully on a dramatic level. The first time I heard this recording, I was completely blown away. It is so free of pretense, it feels like one is hearing this music for the first time. Abravanel's tempi choices are perhaps the most judicious and insightful I've heard: nothing sounds forced and everything is imbued with excitement and drive. It is clear from the start that this man understands this music. This is not surprising, considering Abravanel spent a good portion of his career conducting theatre music. A friend and student of composer Kurt Weill (with whom he escaped from Germany during the rise of the Nazis), he conducted operas in the pit of the Metropolitan Opera House, as well as works by choreographer George Balanchine, and even had some stints on Broadway.

All this results in a highly sensitive reading of Tchaikovsky's music. Abravanel knows intuitively how to make the music breathe, shifting tempos quite naturally in response to the music. At times, his choices may lean on the fast side, but nowhere near the rapidfire pace of Gergiev or Dorati (whose three recordings are spoiled for me by almost flippantly delirious tempi). In fact, everything feels refreshingly grounded without ever becoming heavy-handed (which has been my problem with Previn's recording). The "Journey through the Pine Forest" has a sense of momentum without being jarring and overstated. The popular "Russian Dance" is given a performance as raucous and red-blooded as anything the Bolshoi or Kirov has managed. The famous "Waltz of the Flowers" is handled sensitively, becoming a breathing and flowing piece, and the Adagio of the final "Pas de Deux" is given a lilting, romantic performance. In short, this is simply the most dancerly "Nutcracker" I've heard.

The most interesting part of the recording is actually a piece I tend to skip over on most recordings: the "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy", which can often be boring and uninspired. Here, the celeste takes on an interesting glittery, toy-like quality that has character and charm. I haven't heard anything like it on any other recording. This is bound to be what entranced Tchaikovsky enough to have the instrument imported from France for the very first performance.

The sound quality is excellent, especially considering this is a forty-year-old analog recording. From the first few bars of the "Overture" I was struck by how vivid the sound actually was. For some reason, digital recording can sometimes lack the natural warmth and depth of analog. There is no such problem here. The sound is rich and living. Vanguard has done a wonderful job restoring this long overlooked recording. Hopefully, this review will help bring Abravanel and company some much needed attention. (Also recommended is a 1967 recording of "Swan Lake" from the same group, a suite from which is included as a bonus here.)

This recording of the Utah Symphony is GREAT if you are looking for danceable tempi for the "Nutcracker"- not too fast and no dragging parts. The Grand Pas is practically perfect and Snow Scene is wonderful. I have over a dozen recordings of this ballet and this is far the best- no need to slow down or speed up any parts!

My 4-year old granddaughter asked for the "whole version of the Ther Nutcracker Ballet, because all of the songs are not on Fantasia". Well, how could I not send this to her? She loves it and listens to it every night before bed.I listened to parts of the CD and it is lovely, much better than some of the newer recordings. This would be a very worthwhile gift for any toddler or adult who likes classical music, ballet or just music in general.

Don't be put off that this Nutcracker is played by the Utah Symphony. It is first class in every way in the glorious sound that Vanguard lavished on the orchestra.

Maurice Abravanel was one of the most significant theater conducters of the 20th century. You can feel immediately that he grasps the balletic nature as well as the symphonic majesty of Tchaikovsky's score. The interpretation is brisk, light, nimble, well balanced and masterfully cohesive. Right from the beginning of the overture you will understand what I mean! The playing of the Utah Symphony is transparent, clean, and full of color. You can tell they enjoy playing it!

I bought this recording years ago on Vanguard Everyman LPs. The CD transfer is excellent. Grab the it while you can still get it!

I chose this version of the Nutcracker upon the recommendation of others, and it did not disappoint.

I am not a ballet or opera enthusiast by any means, but I enjoyed these cd's for what I bought them for. I bought them to familiarize myself and my 6 yr old daughter with the music before we attend a Joffrey performance of The Nutcracker tomorrow. The CD's have served their purpose, and the music IS pretty. Didn't give it 5 stars only because I don't think we will listen to it for any other purpose, perhaps we will listen to it a little bit each year during the holiday season but other than that, not sure if we will really get our $$ worth. But that is an individual preference, others may get a lot of use out it!!

Sounded OK but some of the high points were missing that were present on say, The London Symphony Orchestra version; Minor things were changed and occasional muffling. But the part that featured the celesta bells was the best I've heard. For someone who has seldom ever heard it though, this recording was great.