Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake

Format: 2 x LP
Catalogue No.: SXL21078
Barcode: 4260019710888
Release Date: Dec 2022
Genre: Soundtrack

Here is a true delight for all ballet fans and music-lovers. This recording of what is probably Tchaikovsky’s most popular ballet, Swan Lake, by Ernest Ansermet and his orchestra in a masterly performance is now available as a new pressing in vinyl. The Russian composer’s first ballet is offered here on a double LP and although not a complete recording, this compilation (with a minimum of cuts) certainly comprises the most beautiful and expressive scenes, losing nothing in the process. “Ballet specialist“ Ansermet and his wonderfully balanced Orchestre de la Suisse Romande offer here a recording which you’ll want to hear again and again for it captures both the tragic moments of the fairy tale and the festive dance scenes. The precise winds in, for example No. 4, provide a marked contrast to the lively and exciting tutti (No. 5), while the gentle woodwinds blend charmingly with the dreamlike cantilena of the strings (No. 11). The various characteristics of the festive national dances (Polkas, Mazurkas, Hungarian Dance etc.) are performed with temperament, verve and rhythm, but it is the waltzes with their sweet dreaminess which invite the listener most of all to put on their dancing shoes and join in the dance.

Here is a true delight for all ballet fans and music-lovers. This recording of what is probably Tchaikovsky’s most popular ballet, Swan Lake, by Ernest Ansermet and his orchestra in a masterly performance is now available as a new pressing in vinyl. The Russian composer’s first ballet is offered here on a double LP and although not a complete recording, this compilation (with a minimum of cuts) certainly comprises the most beautiful and expressive scenes, losing nothing in the process. “Ballet specialist“ Ansermet and his wonderfully balanced Orchestre de la Suisse Romande offer here a recording which you’ll want to hear again and again for it captures both the tragic moments of the fairy tale and the festive dance scenes. The precise winds in, for example No. 4, provide a marked contrast to the lively and exciting tutti (No. 5), while the gentle woodwinds blend charmingly with the dreamlike cantilena of the strings (No. 11). The various characteristics of the festive national dances (Polkas, Mazurkas, Hungarian Dance etc.) are performed with temperament, verve and rhythm, but it is the waltzes with their sweet dreaminess which invite the listener most of all to put on their dancing shoes and join in the dance.

Track List
Side One
1a. Introduction (Moderato Assai) Act 1 1b. No. 1 Scène (Allegro Giusto) 2. No. 2 Valse No. 4 Pas De Trois 3a. (a) Intrada (Allegro) 3b. (c) Allegro Semplice 3c. (d) Allegro Semplice 3d. (e) Allegro 3e. (f) Coda (Allegro Vivace)

Side 2
1a. No. 7 Sujet 1b. No. 8 Danse Des Coupes (Tempo di Polacca) Act 2 2. No. 10 Scène (Moderato) 3a. No. 11 Scène (Allegro Moderato) 3b. No. 12 Scène (Allegro) Danse Des Cygnes 4. No. 13a Tempo Di Valse 5. No. 13b Andante Non Troppo

Side 3
1. No. 13d Allegro Moderato 2. No. 13f Tempo Di Valse 3. No. 13b Moderato Assai 4. No. 13g Coda (Allegro Vivace) Act 3 5a. No. 15 Allegro Giusto 5b. No. 17 Scène Et Valse 6a. No. 18 Scène (Allegro) 6b. No. 21 Danse Espagnole 7. No. 22 Danse Neapolitaine

Side 4
1. No. 23 Mazurka 2. No. 20 Danse Hongroise No. 5 Pas De Deux 3a. (a) Intrada (Tempo Di Valse) 3b. (b) Andante 3c. (c) Tempo Di Valse 3d. (d) Coda (Allegro Molto Vivace) Act 4 4a. No. 28 Scène (Allegro Agitato) 4b. No. 29 Scène Finale (Andante - Allegro Agitato)

More From This Artist: ERNEST ANSERMET L'ORCHESRTE DE LA SUISSE ROMANDE TCHAIKOVSKY