Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical ballet with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Highlights From Nutcracker and Swan Lake." This captivating album, released on January 1, 2007, under the Naxos label, offers a concise yet comprehensive journey through two of the most beloved ballets in history. Spanning just under an hour, this collection is perfect for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to Tchaikovsky's timeless compositions.
The album opens with the vibrant and iconic overture from "The Nutcracker Suite," followed by a selection of its most memorable dances, including the delicate "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and the energetic "Russian Dance." The second half of the album is dedicated to "Swan Lake," featuring a selection of its most celebrated scenes and dances, such as the elegant "Valse" and the dramatic "Dance of the Goblets."
Tchaikovsky's mastery of melody and orchestration shines through in each piece, creating a rich and immersive listening experience. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply looking to explore the beauty of ballet, this album is a delightful introduction to the world of Tchaikovsky and the timeless stories of "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake."
2007 Naxos2007 (P) Naxos
Tracks
Nußknacker-Suite, Op. 71a, TH 35: Nr. 1, Ouvertüre. Allegro giustoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Halasz, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, TH 35: II. MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, TH 35: IIb. Dance of the Sugar Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, TH 14: No. 12d, Trépak. Russian DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Nußknacker-Suite, Op. 71a, TH 35: Nr. 5, Arabischer TanzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Nußknacker-Suite, Op. 71a, TH 35: Nr. 6, Chinesischer TanzPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, TH 35: VII. Dance of the ReedsPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Halasz, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
The Nutcracker, Op. 71, TH 14: No. 13, Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Halasz, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12: No. 10, ScènePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Halasz, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12: No. 2, ValsePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Halasz, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12: No. 13, Dances of the Swans. IV. ModeratoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 219: No. 13e, Dances of the Swans. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 219: No. 13a, Dances of the Swans. Tempo di valsePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 219: No. 8, Dance of the GobletsPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12: No. 20, Hungarian DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12: No. 21, Spanish DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Halasz, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12: No. 22, Neapolitan DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Halasz
Swan Lake, Op. 20, TH 12: No. 29, Scène finale (Abridged)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Michael Halasz, Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra