Dorati and The Nutcracker

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I cant see how? It's one of the best!

Well, I haven't heard them all, Bbm - and can well imagine that Dorati would be stunning, as he was such a good Tchaikovsky conductor (his DECCA set of the four Orchestral Suites are fantastic). But I do not recognise Mark Pullinger's "uninspiring", and even if I can see what he means by "a bit deliberate", I disagree - give me Previn's charmed, witty engagement with the score to listen to at home. I've just played Act One, and it was a glowing performance - the scene in the Pine forest is superb, and everything has a gently skipping warmth that presents Tchaikovsky's score at what I think is its best. It's the only recording of the full ballet that I have (I used to have the single disc Gergiev - got rid of that after half-a-dozen or so playings) and, for the number of times I want to hear it (the last time I played this was in 2003!) it suits me very well indeed.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I've played Act Two, now, too - marvellous performance: Previn really gets the right mood of each number, and realizes the coherent narrative that Tchaikovsky creates between them.

I see what Mahlerei means about the recorded sound, though - I have the CfP CD transfer, and it is rather fierce at times. Not to the extent of spoiling the experience as a whole, though.

[Petrushka]

Surprised we've got this far without once mentioning the BPO/Rattle. I was dubious at first but it's actually very fine indeed.

[BBMmk2]

I've played Act Two, now, too - marvellous performance: Previn really gets the right mood of each number, and realizes the coherent narrative that Tchaikovsky creates between them.

I see what Mahlerei means about the recorded sound, though - I have the CfP CD transfer, and it is rather fierce at times. Not to the extent of spoiling the experience as a whole, though.

I have the Warner bros transfer. With that rather bright cover on! Very good transfer, imo.

[Dave Payn]

Extended extracts of the ROH/Ermler Swan Lake and Nutcracker appeared on this early BBC MM CD, cheap used copies of which are still available (but the whole Nutcracker is not very expensive!).
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tchaikovsky...cracker+ermler

Thanks for the link.

[Stanfordian]

Surprised we've got this far without once mentioning the BPO/Rattle. I was dubious at first but it's actually very fine indeed.

Hiya Petrushka,

Yes, the Rattle/Berlin Nutcracker is quite excellent.

I have fond memories from 2015 of reporting from an enchanting staging of Nutcracker by the Dresden State Ballet at Semperoper.