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Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite, Capriccio Italien, Eugene Onegin - Stokowski

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker Suite, Capriccio Italien, Eugene Onegin - Stokowski

PentaTone RQR  PTC 518 6229

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Orchestral


Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suite; Capriccio Italien; Polonaise & Waltz from Eugene Onegin

London Philharmonic Orchestra
Leopold Stokowski


Philips Classics began making multi-channel recordings back in the 1970s, at a time when most companies were still only recording in two-channel stereo. The concept of surround sound, let alone the possibility that this might someday be reproduced at home in the living room, was as yet unheard of. After remastering them, PENTATONE is now presenting these original Philips Classics recordings in the REMASTERED CLASSICS series on Super Audio CD, thereby making it possible to finally enjoy these recordings in the quality they were intended to possess from the beginning.

Revealed on this album is a 1973 recording of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a, Capriccio Italien, Op. 45 and Polonaise and Waltz from Eugene Onegin, Op. 24, performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and conducted by Leopold Stokowski. This legendary British conductor of Polish and Irish decent has been one of the leading music directors of the first half of the 20th century. During his 60-year conducting career he was a great advocate for contemporary composers. He became known for his appearance in the 1940 Disney animated film Fantasia and even more so for his long-lasting relationship with the Philadelphia Orchestra, which he developed into one of America’s leading orchestras. However, his greatest achievement in conducting may well have been the creation of the so-called ‘Stokowski sound’, a combination of ‘free bowing’ for the string section, ‘free breathing’ for the brass section and conducting without baton, which resulted in a very warm and free orchestral sound. This release gives the perfect opportunity to experience the legendary ‘Stokowski’ sound.

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Comment by Observer - May 16, 2016 (1 of 3)

The text of this comment has been deleted by the moderator. Reason:

User request

Comment by john hunter - June 7, 2016 (2 of 3)

Pentatone continue their transversal of the Phillips and DG catalogues, releasing for the first time, quad recordings that never saw the light of day in quad, when these discs were originally released in the 70’s.

These Tchaikovsky gems were recorded in 1973 at the Brent Town Hall, Wembley and were originally released by Phillips. At the time Stokowski was 91, only 4 years before he passed away at the age of 95. As these recordings show, he had lost none of his legendary skill and acumen.

As Lukas notes above, the Nutcracker Suite was “orchestrated” by the Maestro as he had a habit of doing, much to the annoyance of some, especially critics. No mention of this is made in the notes which are presumably reprinted from the original release.

I found it delightful.

The London Philharmonic play with charm and character helped by a lovely open and transparent sound greatly enhanced by the surround track. It’s good to hear the triangle decay naturally in the 3D soundfield.

In addition to the Suite we have the Capriccio Italian which can in some hands sound episodic and the two dances from Eugene Onegin. The Maestro is in top form throughout.

All in all a delightful way to pass 47 minutes.

Would whole heartedly agree with Lukas's rating above.

Comment by Observer - June 10, 2016 (3 of 3)

John, thank you very much for your kind words! This is highly recommended SACD, indeed.