Stokowski conducts Tchaikovsky
Brian H. Williams | Manteca, CA United States | 06/04/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Recorded in glorious Phase 4 Stereo, the two ballets are performed with a spirit and lightness that is sadly missing in performances of todays conductors. The only thing listeners may object to, is the re-written ending of Romeo and Juliet. Stokowski did not believe that the romantic tone poem should end in loud, crashing chords, rather, he believed the death of the two characters should be handled peacefully. So Stokowski re-wrote the ending using strings and a mild cresescendo to express death quietly. This re-written ending violates the letter of the score. If you don't mind the re-scored ending, the disc as an entirety is excellent!"