With Ansermet and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. A classic interpretation, recorded in the best of London manner. Certainly Ansermet shows he has a very deep affection for this score and he excels not only in the delicately scored music, but in bringing a lyrical warmth to the big tunes which is often heart-stirring (the transformation scene, for instance, or the big pas de deux in the last act).

The Waltz of the Snowflakes (with choir) is sheer magic. Naturally he does the evocative music well, as at the beginning of side two when the clock strikes twelve and the Christmas tree dolls come to life, or the battle between the mice and the gingerbread soldiers. Every detail of the orchestration is made to sparkle and the dull patches which I am sure I noticed the last time I saw the ballet, seem to have disappeared altogether.

The conductor is helped not only by fine orchestral playing but also by recording which is spectacular not only by its degree of spaciousness but even more in the beautifully rich sound it gives to the strings. Using only a commercial pickup this is striking again and again throughout the set. The feeling of a concert hall behind the loudspeakers is also frequently apparent especially on sides three and four where lies quite a lot of music played in the Suites. There are few two-disc sets which will give as much pleasure as this one and it is hoped that Decca will issue a disc of Highlights (including the Suite) which may well sweep the Board.
Recorded in October, 1958. James Walker, producer; Roy Wallace, engineer. Listed #19 by Robert Moon & Michael Gray.