Search - Tchaikovsky :: Swan Lake (Complete)

Ballet's Best: Dorati Triumph

06/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Antal Dorati was a ballet and symphony conductor in the 50's and 60's. He was prolific, dedicated and masterful. He had conducted ballets in Monte Carlo, Paris and other European theaters. His interpretation of Tchaikovsky music is what stands out the most. It is no wonder, then, that the musical score to Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" is top-notch. This cd is a classic. It has the entire score, without missing a single note or scene, finely re-issued from the old LP in the 60's. Antal Dorati takes the baton and the orchesta strikes up the ever famous Overture. Dark, majestic, exciting, it is the theme used for the swans. Everyone who knows ballets knows the story. It is full of heartache, passion, romance and brilliant music. At the time of its premiere, it was uniquely modern. Tchaikovsky's music to this ballet was not light, sugary or merely danceable. It was complex, full of rich color and sophisticated characterization. The ballet was even considered a flop for its symphonic make-up. Nowadays, we appreciate the fine music it really is. It is rich, full of melody and drama, appropriately light in certain places (the Czardas, Mazurka and other dances) to sad (Odette's solos on violin and cello) and finally, dramatic and tragic- the finale. The world of fantasy is suddenly convincing. Based on a German fairy tale, it tells the story of an evil wizard (Rothbart) who puts a dark spell on a princess (Odette) and turns her into a swan by night. A handsome prince named Siegfried (no surprise there) is hunting and discovers the swan/princess. He falls in love wit her. In some versions, Odette and Siegfried's romance is fulfilled and the ending is happy. But in its true essence and as Tchaikovsky envisioned, the ending must be tragic. Although Rothbart the dark wizard is defeated, the lovers cannot be together and are also dead by the end of the ballet. In melodrama and tragedy it is similar to Adolphe Adam's Giselle, which Tchaikovsky had enjoyed. Tchaikovsky's first ballet began the Great Three- Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. He was proud of Sleeping Beauty, which musically is superior to Swan Lake. Nevertheless, Swan Lake remains a great work of art. It has the passionate drama of a great classic ballet. Every ballerina wants to play the challenging but prominent role of Odette, the swans in the ballet followed the tradition of ballet-blanc, meaning the corps de ballet dancers wore white tutus. Swan Lake is also a pleasure to watch on video or DVD, preferably by a Russian company or a good American or Canadian company. Enjoy."

A great tchaikovsky recording

Robert J. Cruce | Muskogee, OK United States | 09/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This mono version of Swan Lake from 1954 is superb. The ensemble sound of the Minneapolis Symphony was excellent and I defy anyone to find a more engaging violin soloist in any other recording. This is yet another example of where a great conductor perfectly gauges the forward momentum the music needs and sweeps the listerner on a journey through the music as an organic whole (not just the sequential effect of other performances). There is a magic here you won't find anywhere else. But be warned, this recording will spoil you. After hearing this you may find none other need apply."

Still excellent

TchaikJP | Houston, TX United States | 12/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After having searched and listened to many sad,WEAK renditions of this great ballet (Dutoit's included) I now appreciate Dorati's mastery. Dorati was king of precicion, as any dancer should notice and love. He brings out a fire in the music that makes you want to dance, and I believe it is truly what Tchaikovsky intended. This recording REAKS of beautiful musicality, precicion, and control- so BUY this CD and you will enjoy the art of Dorati, Tchaikovksy, and you'll feel the ballet like never before (or probably ever again)."