André Previn - Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker; Prokofiev: Cinderella

Title: Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker; Prokofiev: Cinderella Artist: André Previn Release Date: 2007 Label: EMI Duration: 148:30 Album Type(s): composition (work) description, Plot synopsis/story UPC: 094639323326 Genre: Orchestral Music Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 Number of Discs/SwapaCD Credits: 2

1. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Miniature Overture
2. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 1. No. 1. The Decoration of the Christmas Tree
3. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 1. No. 2. March
4. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 1. No. 3. Children's Galop and Entry of the Parents
5. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 1. No. 4. Arrival of Drosselmeyer
6. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 1. No. 5. Grandfather's Dance
7. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 1. No. 6. Departure of the Guests - Night
8. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 1. No. 7. The Battle
9. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 1. Scene 2. No. 8. The Forest of Fir Trees in Winter
10. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 1. Scene 2. No. 9. Waltz of the Snowflakes
11. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 10. Confiturembourg (The Kingdom of Sweets)
12. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 11. Entrance of Clara and the Prince
13. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 12. Divertissement: a: Chocolate (Spanish Dance)
14. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 12. Divertissement: b. Coffee (Arab Dance)
15. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 12. Divertissement: c. Tea (Chinese Dance)
16. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 12. Divertissement: d. Trepak (Russian Dance)
17. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 12. Divertissement: e. Dance of the Reed Flutes
18. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 12. Divertissement: f. Mother Gigogne
19. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
    - Act 2. No. 13. Waltz of the Flowers

1. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 2. No. 14. a: Pas de deux
2. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 2. No. 14. b: Variation 1 (Tarantella)
3. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 2. No. 14. c: Variation 2 (Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy) - Coda
4. Nutcracker, ballet, Op. 71
   - Act 2. No. 15. Final Waltz and Apotheosis
5. Romeo and Juliet, fantasy-overture for orchestra in B minor (3 versions)
6. Slavonic March, for orchestra, Op. 31
7. 1812 -- Festival Overture, for orchestra in E flat major, Op. 49
8. Cinderella, ballet, Op. 87
   - Act 1. No. 12. The Spring Fairy (Presto)
9. Cinderella, ballet, Op. 87
   - Act 1. No. 13. The Summer Fairy (Andantino sognando)
10. Cinderella, ballet, Op. 87
    - Act 1. No. 15. The Autumn Fairy (Allegro moderato)
11. Cinderella, ballet, Op. 87
    - Act 1. No. 16. The Winter Fairy (Allegro moderato)
12. Cinderella, ballet, Op. 87
    - Act 2. No. 36. Pas de deux: The Prince and Cinderella (Adagio)
13. Cinderella, ballet, Op. 87
    - Act 2. No. 37. Waltz Coda (Allegro espressivo) -
14. Cinderella, ballet, Op. 87
    - Act 2. No. 38. Midnight (Allegro moderato)

EMI's reissues of André Previn's recordings of Tchaikovsky's ballets are welcome offerings, thanks to the conductor's masterful interpretations, the committed playing of the London Symphony Orchestra, and the fine analog sound, which is quite vivid and clear, even by today's high standards. Recorded in 1972, Previn's classically poised reading of the Nutcracker has reappeared over the years on LP and CD and become one of the most highly recommended renditions. Yet this affordable reissue in the Classics for Pleasure series is made even more enticing with the addition of extra material. Not only is the complete ballet followed by exciting performances of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture, Marche Slave, and the 1812 Festival Overture (replete with cannon volleys and church bells) -- all recorded contemporaneously with The Nutcracker in high quality sound -- but it is augmented with seven colorful selections from Prokofiev's Cinderella, digitally recorded in 1983, which make this double-disc a generous serving of Russian classics, well-suited to beginners and experienced listeners alike. ~ Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

Name Credits Ambrosian Singers Choir, Chorus André Previn Conductor Chris Beetles Cover Photo Christopher Bishop Producer Christopher Parker Balance Engineer Ida Outhwaite Cover Art John McCarthy Choir Master London Symphony Orchestra Orchestra Peter Avis Liner Notes