Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Maurice de Abravanel, Utah Symphony Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Complete); Swan Lake Suite

Excellent, Much Underrated Recording of "The Nutcracker"

Enamorato | Washington, DC United States | 11/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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, Tchaikovsky: 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 name recognition 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. 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 ever managed. The famous "Waltz of the Flowers" is handled sensitively, becoming a breathing and moving piece, and the final "Pas de Deux" is given a lilting, romantic performance that still manages to shift tempos subtly.



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" 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, especialy considering this is a forty year-old analog recording. From the first few bars of the "Miniature 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.)"

Dancer's version

Mark Schneider | 04/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Very Good Recording

Grandma Ga-Ga | Columbus,, OH | 06/01/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."