Tchaikovsky’s ever popular ballet suites are generously coupled on this Eloquence disc. While Ernest Ansermet is not a name that comes readily to mind when one thinks of Tchaikovsky conductors, he leads convincing accounts of all three works. The Swan Lake intro is so full of foreboding that we regret the omission of the suite’s dramatic finale. A slightly out-of-tune solo violin mars an otherwise heartfelt rendition of the swan-duet. Sleeping Beauty begins with a surprising amount of vigor and menace, and the good fairy climax wonderfully highlights the brass and tam-tam. Ansermet plays the concluding waltz with an irresistible sweep. In the Nutcracker, the Suisse Romande winds vividly bring to life Tchaikovsky’s colorful writing. The orchestral playing is generally fine throughout, though there are occasional instances of sour oboe intonation. Tubby bass and tape hiss betray the age (1959) of the otherwise well-balanced recording. While this release is no match for Rostropovich’s magnificent performances with the Berlin Philharmonic on Deutsche Grammophon, the bargain price makes it a fine introduction to Tchaikovsky’s ballet music. [Editor’s Note: This recording is available in the USA on Penguin Classics.]
