Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, James Levine, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Tchaikovsky: Ballet Suites

Famous Ballet Suites

Brett A. Kniess | Madison, WI | 10/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording features a superb combination: James Levine, who has excellent timing for climaxes, great ear for drama, and knows how to get serious music to be playful, whimsical, brash, and sensitive when it is called for; and the Vienna Philharmonic, an orchestra whose culture is steeped in traditional dance, especially the waltz. This combination comes together to form a dramatic realization of some very familiar ballet suites.



Featured on this disk are the suites to The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake ballets with an additional five minutes of an extended finale on Swan Lake. Levine follows Tchaikovsky's expression, tempo, and articulation markings to a "T", not revelling in over-romanticization, but sincerely portraying Tchaikovsky's ideas of drama.



In addition, the stupendous 4D sonic recording is excellent, giving the Vienna Philharmonic a virile sound. The orchestra is perfectly balanced, winds and brass are evenly heard in relation to everyone else. All in all, James Levine gives fire and verve, lightness and "danciness"; a great recording!"

A Spectacular Technical Recording with Stunning Playing by t

Jason Husgen | New York, NY | 12/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I tend to find Tchaikovsky very prone to schlock. That schlock is at the forefront in the Ballet Suites. But the schlock is irresistable. Some of the most catchy melodies in the orchestral repertoire. These works are most commonly performed, as concert works, as Suites, though one can find recordings of the complete works. If one's in the mood for what Tchaikovsky offers up in these works (tunes that stick in your head, basically), this is a great recording to have of these works. The sound quality and engineering are amazing. The performance by the Vienna Philharmonic (particular the string section) is flat-out perfect. If these works are for you, this recording is for you."

Great sampler

M. Sutherland | Beaverton, OR USA | 06/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I recently became a fan of James Levine. His performance of these pieces from Tchaikovsky is one of the best there is. The depth and tone of most movements is captivating and (I believe) does a wonderful job of capturing the emotion of the suites. My one complaint is with the volume quality of the recording. On lighter pieces the volume of the recording drops to almost imperceptible levels. If you adjust the volume, the next selection becomes painfully loud. You should also note, this CD has just some of the best selections from each of the ballets, not entire ballets. All in all, this is a great Tchaikovsky collection. Recommended."