Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6; Nutcracker Suite
Ozawa's Tchaikovsky dates from the mid-1970s, when it was recorded in the short-lived novelty of quadraphonic sound. Now, with multi-channel SACD, it's back in the form the original engineers planned for it, while late adapters also have the option of standard CD playback of this hybrid disc. The Symphony is played for its inherent drama, the opening made even more exciting by the recording's wide dynamics that instantly explode into a violent orchestral climax from the brooding opening measures. The inner movements are strongly shaped, with a lovingly phrased Waltz and a potent, driven third movement and the Finale is powerful. Ozawa's always been a master of orchestral color and he extracts all the color in this dramatic work. The "Nutcracker Suite" is the polar opposite of the Symphony, full of fairy tale primary colors and alluring dance music. Ozawa leads it with a light touch, often to magical effect.--Dan Davis