/ Music

June 13, 2004

Of Tchaikovsky's three full-length ballets, Swan Lake is exceptionally beautiful.

This recording contains an echt performance of Swan Lake by the Russian State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dmitry Yablonsky. It seems complete; there are about 2 1/2 hours of music on two CDs.

The release is part of Naxos' Super Audio CD series, playable in "5.0 multichannel surround sound mastered in DSD," "2-channel stereo mastered in DSD" and "CD standard stereo." Played on standard CD, it sounds great.

The performance is full of lyric grace and energetic dance rhythms. The orchestra appears to be large, with lush strings and superb solo work. Although Naxos is a budget label, you wouldn't be able to tell it by this recording.

As for the music, the depth of Tchaikovsky's inspiration is awe-inspiring. One great melody succeeds another and even less familiar passages are exceptional.

Olin Chism