This release duplicates a short-lived Philips set, and it’s very nice to see it back at budget price. The performances are uneven, though never less than entertaining. The Nutcracker Suite suffers from a ridiculously fast tempo on the opening March and a slow-motion Sugar Plum Fairy. The Capriccio however is swift, lively, and (uncharacteristically) played as written. So, thankfully, is the Serenade, an extremely enjoyable version where the LSO strings also have that signature Stokowski sheen. Francesca is terrifically exciting, if perhaps not quite as much so as Stoki’s earlier outing on Everest–but here he adds his trademark extra tam-tam swats wherever possible. The two pieces from Eugene Onegin are both quite dashing, and they make a welcome bonus. Love him or not, Stokowski is never less than fun, and at their best (Francesca, Capriccio, and the Serenade) these interpretations have held up extremely well. So have the bright, vivid sonics.
