The Nutcracker (Complete Ballet)

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Op. 71

Recordings

Top Choice

Artur Rodziński / Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

1958

A very, very charming version of the complete Nutcracker. Makes you hear the work fresh and appreciate it. Beautifully played and very warm.

Also Worth Hearing

Ernest Ansermet / Orchestre de la Suisse Romande

1958 Very well recorded.

A more virtuosic display and slightly better sound. Ansermet was a consummate ballet conductor. OSR is on top form. Can't go wrong.

Antal Doráti / London Symphony Orchestra

1962 Excellent Mercury sound.

Really brilliant and impressive. A little more on the aggressive side, maybe missing some warmth/charm of the others, but a real thrill to hear it played and recorded with this brilliance.

Label: Mercury Living Presence