As popular performers of classical music's greatest hits, it seems strange that
Erich Kunzel and the
Cincinnati Pops had not recorded
Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker until 2007. The recording is subtitled "Favorite Selections," implying that it's more than just the suite (parts of which they have done on
Tchaikovsky and ballet samplers), but less than the full ballet. Actually, all that's missing here is the "Grandfather's Dance" and the "Battle and Transformation" scene, which then begs the question of why not stretch the recording another 10 minutes to fit these in? Regardless, it really is a treat to hear more than just the suite since there are parts that are just as great as what's in the suite and are heard all too infrequently, such as the "Pas de deux Coda" and the "Final Waltz." The "Waltz of the Snowflakes" is another one of those, and here it's done with appropriate feathery lightness by the orchestra and the Cincinnati Children's Choir, which has excellent intonation, tone, and ensemble work. The waltz has its dramatic moments, but like all the dramatic moments in the score,
Kunzel keeps it exciting and grand without being overly intense. The whole performance has a constancy and consistency of delivery that give the impression of childlike wonder and magic, but isn't at all too sugary. Similarly, the dancing momentum is maintained without being too athletic or too indulgent, as in the case of the "Arabian Dance."
Kunzel and the
Cincinnati Pops have come through with a truly reliable and enjoyable performance of the Nutcracker, presented in Telarc's well-known deep sound quality.