"This is a very fine recording..." 

**** (Excellent album) 

Album Choice

“… excellent sound … It’s quite a driven account, which makes for exciting listening … The orchestral playing is impressive – notably the Bergen Wind soloists and there’s a pleasing children’s chorus.” 

“… he [Jarvi] captures the delicacy, transparency and sheer magic of this miraculous score … wonderfully woozy string glissandi are sprinkled with celesta stardust as the Nutcracker Prince and Clara wnd their way to Confiturembourg, while the divertissement points the way to Debussy and Ravel in Jarvi’s Bergeners’ light-fingered dispatch of the notes.” 

“… the players in the Bergen Philharmonic are at one with their conductor. They play this score with a panache and imagination that holds the listener enthralled … Exemplary sound and documentation.” 

"It’s all terrific, captured in sumptuous sound Can we have more from this team please?" 

Performance *****       Sonics *****

"With this release of ’The Nutcracker’ Neeme Järvi completes his splendid accounts of the three greatTchaikovsky ballets with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra for Chandos. The qualities that made theprevious releases of ’Swan Lake’ Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake - Järvi and ’The Sleeping Beauty’Tchaikovsky: The Sleeping Beauty - Järvi so memorable are once again in abundance. They includepolished orchestral playing from the Bergen Philharmonic and superb recorded sound from Ralph Couzensand his colleagues in the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) Though the virtues of rivalversions of this much recorded ballet should not be overlooked, the considerable advantage of Järvi’scompelling performance on single hybrid SACD will make it a first choice for many listeners and itwarrants an unqualified recommendation." 

Performance *****      Sonics *****

"The concluding Waltz caps an exceptional account that has transported this listener back tochildhood, reminiscing on the sense of wonder & delight that this marvellous score first evoked thenand continues to do so now." 

“…Järvi’s recording is certainly a recommendable introduction to the score …” 

Album of the Week

“… this issue is excellent at every level … Järvi is a superb conductor of ballet music … they [Bergen Philharmonic] play really well, with flexible strings able to meet Järvi’s every demand, and characterful brass and wood-wind. Technically this Chandos recording is opulent and as a stocking-filler is heard to beat … “  ***** 

“This new Nutcracker marks the completion of Neeme Järvi cycle of Tchaikovsky’s ballets. It’s a distinguished achievement in many respects … The Bergen Philharmonic’s playing … impeccably detailed…” ***