Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, George Weldon, Philharmonia Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty Highlights

The Best of Sleeping Beauty

Robert E. Nylund | Ft. Wayne, Indiana United States | 03/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While the entire score to Peter Tchaikovsky's "The Sleeping Beauty" is absolutely wonderful, this CD includes the most memorable moments from the ballet in an amazing stereo recording originally released in 1958 by EMI. Listening to the digitally remastered performance, it's hard to imagine that was made so long ago. The sound is crystal clear and, indeed, compares well with today's high-tech digital recordings.George Weldon, who died all too young in 1963 (while on tour in Australia), was long associated with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, long before Sir Simon Rattle achieved worldwide recognition as musical director of that fine British orchestra. Weldon sought clear, definitive performances from the musicians and this is quite apparent in this recording with London's Philharmonia Orchestra (an ensemble created by the late Walter Legge, primarily to make recordings).There are many, many fine points in this recording. It certainly shows why Tchaikovsky was such a master melodist and orchestrator. At times one can almost see the spectacular dancing that usually goes with this music. One can also remember the very wonderful story of the sleeping princess who awaits a kiss from a brave, handsome, young price. The Walt Disney animated feature in 1959 brought both Tchaikovsky's music and the story to life. However, the music stands on its own and this recording, modestly priced, is a "must" for any basic classical library."

Hard to Beat EMI and Sleeping Beauty

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When it comes to great performances of highlights from Tchaikovsky's ballet The Sleeping Beauty, EMI has a plethora of choices all at budget-line prices. I currently own four of them -- featuring conductors Joseph Levine, Andre Previn, Efrem Kurtz and this title by George Weldon. This particular disc, from the new EMI Seraphim budget-line, showcases a legendary recording from 1956 captured in golden-age stereo. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Philharmonia Orchestra (basically EMI/British Columbia's "house band") was one of the best orchestras in the world. Mostly Otto Klemperer and Herbert Von Karajan led the Philharmonia, but when other great conductors stepped in, whether it was Weldon, Kurtz, Herbert Menges, Constantin Silvestri or Guido Cantelli, the results were usually just as magical because the orchestra was such a war-horse. There are many great choices available when it comes to Sleeping Beauty, but if you are a novice or a connoisseur you won't be disappointed with this account by Weldon."

Exquisite

S. Harrison | Clements, CA United States | 05/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Any recording of Sleeping Beauty has, for me, has to go up against a formidable measuring stick: Childhood memories. When I was little (back in the ancient days before time began) I had a box set of 45 rpm records of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty. I loved those records! Played them over and over and over and over again. Then my parents took me to a live production of the ballet in (I believe) the old Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles. I was in heaven!



I purchased this CD as small magic carpet to fly back in time. I was not disappointed - it sounds just exactly right. The quality of the recording is excellent, and the sheer joy of the music shines right through."