Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker Suitte, Serenade for Strings
Here's a disc that ought to have the title, "The Really Pretty Tchaikovsky." The Serenade has long been one of his most popular "neo- classical" pieces, and Sir Neville Marriner turns in a charming performance--not the last word in emotional warmth, perhaps, but vigorous and immaculately played. TheNutcracker Suitegoes similarly well. Each dance is sharply characterized, and the whole thing sounds so easy and pleasant that you might as well just relax and wallow in the euphonious sounds. Long a prime recommendation at Christmastime, this album deserves to be taken out for a spin during the rest of the year too.--David Hurwitz