Tchaikovsky – Symphony No.4 / The Nutcracker Suite / Waltz from “Eugene Onegin” CD

Sir Thomas Beecham · Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (EMI Classics – Great Recordings of the Century)

UPC: 094638001621 

MPN: 3 20016 2 

Brand Name: EMI Classics – Great Recordings of the Century

Overview

Part of EMI’s acclaimed Great Recordings of the Century series, this collection presents Sir Thomas Beecham’s masterful interpretations of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4, The Nutcracker Suite, and the Waltz from Eugene Onegin. Beecham’s recordings, made with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reveal both his elegance of phrasing and his command of orchestral color—qualities that make these performances enduring classics.

Critics have long hailed these recordings for their vitality and balance. The Gramophone praised Beecham’s Nutcracker as “supremely elegant, wonderfully spirited, and joyful,” while describing his Fourth Symphony as “astonishingly vivid and beautifully proportioned.” This reissue captures the grandeur of mid-century orchestral sound through Abbey Road remastering and the original mono/stereo ADD sources.

Product Features

• Format: Audio CD (Digitally Remastered, ADD – Mono/Stereo)
• Series: Great Recordings of the Century
• Genre: Classical – Romantic / Orchestral
• Total Duration: 71:49 minutes
• Performers: Sir Thomas Beecham, conductor · Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
• Composer: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)
• Recording Dates: 1954, 1958 & 1961
• Label: EMI Classics (Registered trademark of EMI Group plc)
• Release Year: 2007 (Compilation and Digital Remastering)
• Recording Venue: Abbey Road Studios, London
• Country of Manufacture: EU
• Packaging: Standard jewel case with booklet including trilingual notes (English, German, French)

Interesting Facts

• Historic Legacy: Beecham’s Tchaikovsky recordings are legendary for their energy and insight, bridging the warmth of late Romantic tradition with a modern sense of precision.

• Artistic Authority: Founder of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham was renowned for his wit, charm, and immaculate orchestral control—qualities that shine through in these performances.

• Audiophile Heritage: Digitally remastered at Abbey Road Studios, the release preserves the lush tonal detail and dynamic range of Beecham’s original analog sessions.

• Cross-Label Collaboration: This set includes licensed material originally owned by Sony BMG Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd., making it a rare example of cooperation between major classical labels to preserve recording history.

• Collector’s Edition: The Great Recordings of the Century imprint remains one of EMI’s most respected archival projects, celebrated for historical fidelity and comprehensive presentation.

Track Listing

Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op.36

1. Andante sostenuto – Moderato con anima – 18:22
2. Andantino in modo di canzona – 9:39
3. Scherzo (Pizzicato ostinato) – 5:26
4. Finale (Allegro con fuoco) – 9:06

The Nutcracker – Suite, Op.71a

1. Ouverture miniature – 3:34
2. Marche – 2:43
3. Danse de la fée dragée – 1:54
4. Trépak (Danse russe) – 1:08
5. Danse arabe – 3:08
6. Danse chinoise – 1:17
7. Danse des mirlitons – 2:48
8. Valse des fleurs – 6:23

Eugene Onegin – Waltz (Act II), Op.24

1. Waltz – 6:09

Total Time: 71:49

Publishers

© 2007 EMI Records Ltd. Originally © 1954 (Sony BMG Music Entertainment UK Ltd.), © 1958 & 1961 (EMI Records Ltd.). Licensed courtesy of Sony BMG Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd. Digital remastering and compilation © 2007 EMI Records Ltd.

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