Tchaikovsky's music may not have been critically
acclaimed at the 1892 premiere of the Nutcracker, but
it is one of ballet's best-known and beloved scores. Here are
two of the best recordings of the complete score.
Valery Gergiev conducts
the Kirov Orchestra in this classic recording of the complete
ballet. Are the tempi a little fast? You be the judge, but the
sound quality and the performance are impeccable. You can listen
to clips of this CD on amazon.com!
Charles MacKerras conducts
on this recording from the Pacific Northwest Ballet's production
of the Nutcracker. You can listen to clips of this CD
on amazon.com as well!