Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake

I'm no music critic, certainly not in the genre of classical music. As my moniker suggests, I'm more comfortable with the rock 'n roll generation. But I grew up listening to classical music, particularly Tschaikovsky...on 78rpm. I replaced them with 33-1/3 rpm vinyl in the 80s, which I'd hoped to dub to CD on a USB turntable. But the condition of the vinyl was deplorable, despite the extreme care I've shown my vinyl over the years. So I decided to go ahead and replace the vinyl with a quality rendition of both Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. I couldn't be more pleased with both the performance and the mastering of these two scores...much better than the Nutcracker I'd bought a few years ago. Whether this is the "ultimate" rendition is for others to say. As far as I'm concerned, these performances by Previn and the LSO are as good as it gets. Perhaps I should complete the set with a better performance of the Nutcracker, as well.

What a fantastic recording of a fantastic ballet! My wife and I are going to see the ballet in January and I knew we had to get more familiar with the music. I didn't realize I was going to be drawn to tears just from the music alone. I couldn't be happier with this purchase!

How could I go wrong with this purchase considering that it's Tchaikovsky's original Swan Lake score performed by one of the best orchestrasin the world under the direction of Andre Previn, surely one of the best conductors. I will enjoy this recording for many years to come.

There are so many wonderful editions of Tchaikovsky's The Swan Lake, how does one choose? The music is absolutely supreme, so only one conductor's and orchestra's view is hardly enough for this work. Many conductors call their Swan Lake complete in 4 acts, but there are some short, lively supplements to act 3 that really should be included with any set that calls itself complete. Previn includes the extra numbers, so it's already a plus. The LSO and the recording sound great. Not a Swan Lake to knock your socks off, but a lovely rendition. I prefer Sawallisch, Dutoit, and Lanchbery. We need complete CD editions of the ballet from Ormandy, Fiedler and Fistoulari. Those LP's and CD highlights are the real deal in excitement, elegance and joy, as dated as they may be. Ozawa/BSO is high in excitement and fine playing from the BSO, but unfortunately lacks the added numbers.

The score of Piotr Tchaikovsky's first ballet Swan Lake is pleasing, dazzlingly orchestrated, inspirationally created, reminiscent and melodramatic. Andre Previn’s sensitive balletic version is totally convincing – it’s romantic, evocative and emotional. The famous oboe-driven Swan theme is brilliantly played and the finale is gallant and captivating.

This is my second favorite ballet, my first is the Nuctcracker, however, this is a fabulous recording of the ballet and I highly recommend it to anyone.

I have always loved this ballet, and have seen it performed many times. This cd resonates with its beautiful orchestration and creates mental images of those ballet performances. It is a perfect addition to the office music for the holidays.

Brand new item. Thanks.

Sehr schöne Aufnahme. Die Cd ist schön gestaltet, enthalten ist auch ein Heftchen mit der Geschichte des Balletts in mehreren Sprachen und einer Auflistung der Tracks. Bin Hobby Tänzerin und mir gefällt die Musik sehr gut und das Orchester auch. Der Preis ist auch sehr günstig für zwei CDs mit ca. 155 Minuten Laufzeit. Alles in allem top.

Bien mais sans plus.

Beautiful music. Going to Swan Lake ballet at St Petersburg in May. Playing this regularly so my husband will enjoy the evening.

grandissima orchestra grandissima registrazione

Probablement la seule version vraiment complète du ballet de Tchaikovsky, par exemple le Pas de deux, acte 3 (nos 13, 14 et 15) qu'on ne retrouve pas habituellement dans les autres enregistrements tout de même de grande qualité mais légèrement incomplets.Et le jeu exceptionnel de la grande violoniste Ida Haendel à quelques reprises aux actes 1, 2 et 3.André Previn dirige avec talent le LSO et des musiciens admirables.Un Must pour amateurs de grande musique et de danse classique!