Tchaikovsky Swan Lake - Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet ( 180g vinyl 2LP )

Release date 12-11-1998(orginally release in 1959 DECCA)

1998 German Speakers Corner reissue ( 180g vinyl 2LP ) - Tchaikovsky: “Swan Lake” - Orchestre de la Suisse Romande conducted by Ernest Ansermet

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.

This Speakers Corner LP was remastered using pure analogue components only, from the master tapes through to the cutting head. All royalties and mechanical rights have been paid.

Recording: October/November 1958 at Victoria Hall, Geneva by Roy Wallace / Production: James Walker

Ratings
Discogs: 4,80 / 5 Rate Your Music: 5,00 / 5

Tracks:
Introduction (Moderato Assai)
Act 1
No. 1 Scène (Allegro Giusto)
No. 2 Valse
No. 4 Pas De Trois
(a) Intrada (Allegro)
(c) Allegro Semplice
(d) Allegro Semplice
(e) Allegro
(f) Coda (Allegro Vivace)
No. 7 Sujet
No. 8 Danse Des Coupes (Tempo di Polacca)
Act 2
No. 10 Scène (Moderato)
No. 11 Scène (Allegro Moderato)
No. 12 Scène (Allegro)
Danse Des Cygnes
No. 13a Tempo Di Valse
No. 13b Andante Non Troppo
No. 13d Allegro Moderato
No. 13f Tempo Di Valse
No. 13b Moderato Assai
No. 13g Coda (Allegro Vivace)
Act 3
No. 15 Allegro Giusto
No. 17 Scène Et Valse
No. 18 Scène (Allegro)
No. 21 Danse Espagnole
No. 22 Danse Neapolitaine
No. 23 Mazurka
No. 20 Danse Hongroise
No. 5 Pas De Deux
(a) Intrada (Tempo Di Valse)
(b) Andante
(c) Tempo Di Valse
(d) Coda (Allegro Molto Vivace)
Act 4
No. 28 Scène (Allegro Agitato)
No. 29 Scène Finale (Andante - Allegro Agitato)