Leonard Bernstein - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4, Nutcracker Suite (2003) [SACD]

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 is a natural for Bernstein and this performance, recorded in Manhattan Center April 28, 1975, is far superior to his 1989 DGG recording with the same orchestra, which takes almost five minutes longer. The Nutcracker excerpts were recorded much earlier—May 2, 1960, but both sound pretty much alike. Sony states both of these are from original multichannel tapes, but what we hear from the back is primarily ambient hall sound. Surprisingly, Nutcracker is a touch better than the symphony, but there is no question both recordings benefit greatly from the improved sonic capability of SACD with its wider dynamic range and broader frequency response.
Review from Classics Today (9/9)


Tracks:

Symphony No.4 In F Minor, Op. 36
1 I. Andante Sostenuto - Moderato Con Anima - Moderato Assai, Quasi Andante - Allegro Vivo 19:27
2 II. Andantino In Modo Di Canzona 10:43
3 III. Scherzo. Pizzicato Ostinato. Allegro 5:19
4 IV. Finale. Allegro Con Fuoco 9:16

The Nutcracker, Op. 71a (Ballet Suite)
5 I. Overture Miniature. Allegro Giusto 3:16
II. Danses Caractéristiques:
6 Marche. Tempo Di Marcia Viva 2:31
7 Danse De La Fée Dragée. Andante Non Tropo 1:40
8 Danse Russe (Trépak). Tempo Di Trepak, Molto Vivace 1:01
9 Danse Arabe. Allegretto 2:55
10 Danse Chinoise. Allegro Moderato 1:09
11 Danse Des Mirlitones. Moderato Assai 2:08
12 III. Valse Des Fleurs. Tempo Di Valse 6:25

Personnel:

Conductor – Leonard Bernstein
Orchestra – New York Philharmonic

Tracks 1 to 4: Recorded at Manhattan Center, New York City, on April 28, 1975
Original release: February 1976.

Tracks 5 to 12: Recorded at Manhattan Center, New York City, on May 2, 1960
Original release: December 5, 1960.