Tchaikovsky ballets

[hautbois]

Perculiar, but after 5 years of indulging myself into classical music, i have only recently begun to really discover Tchaikovsky's ever popular output. I wished i could have done so even earlier. Last year, i purchased Dorati/Concertgebouw's recording of the Nutcracker which is ABSOLUTELY stunning, amazing sonics (everything could be heard up front with warmth) courtesy of Philips from that era, amazing playing, you could hear that the orchestra members themselves were enjoying themselves. A month ago, without hesitation, i bought Sleeping Beauty with the same combination and how it was is quite obvious from what i have just mentioned. BEAUTIFUL music, your jaw opens wide in awe and you just indulge yourself in it like there is no tomorrow.




And then...

I went berserk to search for a complete Swan Lake and apparently, the same combination did NOT recorded it!!!!!

Today, i borrowed Ozawa/BSO's recording from the library and it is quite brilliant. But there were times when i wished the cellos were more up front or the orchestra bloomed more when it was loud, and Ozawa interprets with so much personality that it can sometimes sound superficial for such simple music. I have searched some reputable online stores and to my surprise, not many people have recorded the complete Swan Lake. All of the albums available (Ozawa, Ansermet, Previn, Slatkin, Sawallisch etc) have received good reviews because in my opinion they are not tremendously difficult music to interpret. So what i am looking for is fantastic sonics, very direct approach, and an amazing woodwind section (Dorati/Concertgebouw makes you feel that they are the best orchestra in the world). Dorati made one with Minneapolis from what i can find, but is the orchestra up to par with the glorious Concertgebouw from that era? Any other recommendations?

Howard

[Drasko]

Avoid Ansermet, it's cut Drigo edition, about quarter of the ballet missing.

My first choice is Svetlanov with USSR State SO on Melodiya. Performance and sound quality are excellent (1988 digital), decisive moment is whether you like or not color of soviet orchestras.

[karlhenning]

Mercury Living Presence has reissued a mono recording of Dorati leading the Minneapolis Symphony  in (IIRC) the first recording of the complete ballet (i.e., no cuts whatever).  The orchestra sound splendid, and the mono here does not seem any "shortcoming" whatever.

[Que]

Avoid Ansermet, it's cut Drigo edition, about quarter of the ballet missing.

My first choice is Svetlanov with USSR State SO on Melodiya. Performance and sound quality are excellent (1988 digital), decisive moment is whether you like or not color of soviet orchestras.

That's encouraging news. I already had it on my list after a very satisfactory experience with his recording of "The Nutcracker".

Btw any feedback on the Yablonski on Naxos?  That's after the Svetlanov and Dorati the one contender that hasn't been mentioned yet. (Apart from the Fedotov which has not the original version of the ballet).

Q

[Mark]

Lanchberry/Philharmonia for Swan Lake (with two tiny cuts of no real consequence) - EMI CfP label. Stunning playing, gorgeous music. Indulge.

[karlhenning]

(with two tiny cuts of no real consequence)

Then why make them? 

[Mark]

Then why make them? 

Wouldn't fit neatly onto two CDs. The version I have is a first transfer to CD, made back in the days before sticking 40 minutes of music on a single disc was considered acceptable.

[Marcel]

For Tchaikovsky's complete and absolutely superb Swan Lake ballet I suggest Rozhdestvensky with USSR State Radio Symphony Orchestra http://www.russiandvd.com/store/product.asp?sku=34711&genreid= .

[david johnson]

i have the slatkin/slso collection, supplemented with suites from other groups.

dj

[Peregrine]

Who would you recommend for each of Tchaikovsky's ballets?

I have:

Nutcracker - Gergiev/Kirov Orchestra

Swan Lake - Sawallisch/Philadelphia

Sleeping Beauty - None (but currently downloading the Rozhdestvensky/BBCSO recording)

For suites, I have:

Ansermet/Orchestre Suisse Romande

Rostropovich/Berlin Phil.

I'm very interested in acquiring Dorati's recordings, would other members advocate getting these? Or do you have a strong preference for other versions?

[Mark]

For Swan Lake (almost complete bar two movements that are basically just repeats of the main theme), it has to be John Lanchberry with the Philharmonia. But I could be biased: it was the first full-length recording I ever bought.

[MichaelRabin]

For Swan Lake, the National PO under Bonynge is a really great version that even tops Dutoit/Montreal SO.

[david johnson]

the rca box with slatkin/st. louis is inexpensive and great.

dj

[Iago]

Seiji Ozawa did NOT make very many good recordings with the Boston Symphony.
But one that is superlative in every way is his complete "Swan Lake"
Sumptuous recorded sound, unbelievably superb orchestral execution, tempos that seem "just right" and a degree of alertness on Ozawas part, that is rarely present on his other recorded performances. Having been recorded in Symphony Hall, Boston, that puts it a notch above the P.O. recording under Sawallisch, which tends to "smooth out" just about everything. IMO, this is the best recording Ozawa EVER made.

[Marcel]

My recommendations:

Swan Lake: Rozhdestvensky with USSR State Radio Symphony Orchestra (this is complete original version, not Drigo's revision!)
Sleeping Beauty: Dorati with Concertgebouw Orchestra (symphonic approach) or Mogrelia with Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra Kosice (balletic approach) - try listen to samples...
The Nutcracker: Gergiev with Kirov Orchestra (symphonic approach, brisk tempos)

[Drasko]

Swan Lake: Rozhdestvensky with USSR State Radio Symphony Orchestra (this is complete original version, not Drigo's revision!)

Is that currently available? I mean for less than 235 pounds 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tchaikovsky-Swan-Lake-Pyotr-Ilyich/dp/B00000DWH0

[Marcel]

Swan Lake: Rozhdestvensky with USSR State Radio Symphony Orchestra (this is complete original version, not Drigo's revision!)

Is that currently available? I mean for less than 235 pounds

Well, I think it is not, although I have found something on russian site about it, possible available for Russia : http://www.russiandvd.com/store/product.asp?sku=34711&genreid=

By the way here are some quotations from classicstoday site about the recording which seems to be appear on print some time in the future:

"Completists must seek out the rare Rozhdestvensky Melodiya recording which, in addition to every repeat, features stunningly sharp-edged playing--but unfortunately, unflattering sound."

"Rozhdestvensky's A-plus, totally complete performance from the late '60s (promised for re-issue by RCA sometime in the future) reminded us once again, this time in stereo, that the complete work is best for home listening..."

[sidoze]

Well, I think it is not, although I have found something on russian site about it, possible available for Russia : http://www.russiandvd.com/store/product.asp?sku=34711&genreid=

By the way here are some quotations from classicstoday site about the recording which seems to be appear on print some time in the future:

"Completists must seek out the rare Rozhdestvensky Melodiya recording which, in addition to every repeat, features stunningly sharp-edged playing--but unfortunately, unflattering sound."

"Rozhdestvensky's A-plus, totally complete performance from the late '60s (promised for re-issue by RCA sometime in the future) reminded us once again, this time in stereo, that the complete work is best for home listening..."

I checked Ozon.ru and it looks like that release is OOP. They do have his complete Nutcracker with the same orchestra on Melodiya, however.

[Peregrine]

Seiji Ozawa did NOT make very many good recordings with the Boston Symphony.
But one that is superlative in every way is his complete "Swan Lake"
Sumptuous recorded sound, unbelievably superb orchestral execution, tempos that seem "just right" and a degree of alertness on Ozawas part, that is rarely present on his other recorded performances. Having been recorded in Symphony Hall, Boston, that puts it a notch above the P.O. recording under Sawallisch, which tends to "smooth out" just about everything. IMO, this is the best recording Ozawa EVER made.

Thanks, Iago. I'ld forgotten about the Ozawa recording, but knew it had been highly praised. Certainly one to consider.

[Peregrine]

Sleeping Beauty:  Mogrelia with Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra Kosice (balletic approach) - try listen to samples...

Is that Naxos?