Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, John Lanchbery, Philharmonia Orchestra of London :: Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (Highlights)

Delightful, wonderful &c.

Nicholas Edwards | Belchertown, MA United States | 12/08/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not many people know about John Lanchbery. He was a wonderful ballet conductor in the '60s and he was a composer too: he wrote, among other things, the music for a ballet film called "Tales Of Beatrix Potter". (Now, if you don't know that film or that music, you have to check it out - be ready to make a friend for life. It's Frederick Ashton and the Covent Garden and boy is it something. It was, as if this weren't good enough, directed by Reginald Mills, who edited THE dance film: Michael Powell's "The Red Shoes"). Now - as to this disc: a fine hour-long condensation of this long and variegated score. It's a
well-articulated, even idiosyncratic performance - not exactly smooth and creamy like Ormandy and the Philadelphia's, and this is a good thing. We've all heard this music so many times, the last thing we want is something nondescript. Lancbery swings the hell out of this music, and he gives us detail, depth, and cogency too. The Philharmonia sound great, particularly the brass, as well as the woodwinds (who get a lot to do in this score). In short, it's a winner - maybe not as polished as some others, but tons of heart, which is ultimately what counts with this music. Get it and trip the light fantastic."

As good as it gets

Nicholas Edwards | 07/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since a small child, I have loved the music from "The Nutcracker." This CD does not disappoint, more importantly, it is a good value with all the full body of a professional orchestra, all the many different pieces are performed, and I was flooded with pleasant memories as I listened raptly. I'm glad I bought it. This will be a wonderful addition to anyone's classical music CD library."