Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Spike Jones, Eugene Ormandy :: Tchaikovsky's Greatest Hit: The Ultimate Nutcracker

Not what I was expecting

RicR2 | McLean, VA USA | 12/13/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"With its whimsical artwork on the cover, and release date of October 2004, I was expecting a 21st century recording of the music of that perennial Christmas Favorite Ballet, The Nutcracker. Instead, some of the recordings date back to 1945 (according to the liner notes), and sound it.



This CD can be viewed as four different versions of the SAME songs:



Version 1 consists of songs Songs 1 - 8, by the Philadelphia Orchestra with Eugene Ormandy conducting, was essentially what I was expecting, even though it was recorded in 1972.



Version 2 consists of Songs 9 - 16, by the Modern Mandolin Quartet, are Nutcracker songs played presumably on four Mandolins.



Version 3 consists of songs 17 - 22, were recorded in 1945 and sound it. They contain words, and are by Spike Jones, who is known for his novelty song "Der Fuhrer's Face." These songs likewise essentially are novelty songs.



Version 4 consists of songs 23 and 24. Their instrumentation is piano only. Unfortunately they were recorded in 1947 and sound it, which means that even on my $50 walkman they sound like a 78-RPM record. Version 4 was the most disappointing Version.



Overall I give this two stars. Version 1 is four star, which may say more about my lack of knowledge of classical music and recordings than its true quality. Version 4 is zero stars. Version 2 depends on whether one likes the Mandolin Quartet interpretation, and Version 3 depends on how much you like a slapstick novelty interpretation.

"

Delightful!

Mike | 01/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the clever series title (so-and-so's greatest hit) to the lighthearted artwork by "Mutts" creator Patrick McDonnell, this CD will delight everyone who has an ear for good music and well-recorded sound, and who appreciates musical humor.



The disc leads off with a lush "straight" reading of the suite by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, recorded in 1972.



Then the Modern Mandolin Quartet has a crack at it. You'll like the harmonious and percussive sounds of the plucked mandolins along with the creative orchestrations and ornamentations. Recorded in 1991.



For the piece de resistance, we hear Spike Jones and his City Slickers (plus a supplementary chorus) perform their recited/sung/played version, recorded in 1945. The music is well performed (as are all of Jones recordings), with tasteful (?) and sparingly applied (for this group) sound effects. The rhythmically delivered lyrics are suggestive of Vachel Lindsay, or perhaps Gilbert and Sullivan. Be warned - the emotional impact is cumulative. If you try to resist, you may suddenly find yourself on the living room floor kicking and gasping for breath.



Last we hear two movements by the First Piano Quartet (four pianos, that is) recorded in 1950. The mood here is redolent of the novelty piano genre -elaborate piano arrangements played with elegance, flair, and rich chordings.



Do your music-loving friends a favor. Next Christmas, buy a copy of this modestly-priced CD for each of their stockings.



"

Very Cool!

J. Allan | 03/29/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Was looking for Spike Jones' Nutcracker and ended up with alot more at one decent price."