Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker (arr. for Brass Septet) | Naxos 8574157

Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker (arr. for Brass Septet)

£12.30

In stock - available for despatch within 1 working day

Label: Naxos

Cat No: 8574157

Format: CD

Number of Discs: 1

Genre: Christmas

Release Date: 8th November 2019

Contents

Artists

Derek Jacobi (narrator)
Septura

Works

Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich

The Nutcracker, op.71 (arr. for brass septet)

Artists

Derek Jacobi (narrator)
Septura

About

Brass instruments are a vital part of the festive fabric of Christmas, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet The Nutcracker is made even more joyful with the brassy brilliance of Septura. Narrated by pre-eminent actor Derek Jacobi, The Nutcracker is set on Christmas Eve, with music both rapturous and fantastical. It tells the story of how young Clara’s favourite present, a nutcracker shaped like a little man, turns into a handsome prince at midnight. Septura has been acclaimed by Brass Band World for its ‘stylistic perfection’ and ‘beautifully portrayed artistry’ (Music for Brass Septet Vol.2, Naxos 8573386).

Brass ensemble Septura continues its journey through the widest variety of musical periods and genres in this their seventh Naxos album. This is their first to be dedicated to a single composer and indeed a single work. Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Nutcracker is so rich in melodic invention and narrative content that it has appeared in numerous guises beyond its orchestral original. Septura’s unique skill and flexibility makes it an ideal vehicle for this brand-new version released in perfect time for the Christmas market, and with the famous name of Sir Derek Jacobi as narrator being the icing on this particularly festive musical cake, this is going to be one of our best sellers for the season.

Septura’s previous recordings include British music (Vol.6, 8573825) released in October 2018 and considered ‘irresistible’ by The Observer (London), and arrangements of French repertoire in Vol.5 (8573619) in which ‘Septura always sounds terrific – tone qualities, blend, and intonation are always wonderful, ensemble always precise’ (American Record Guide).

Christmas with Septura (8573719) was released in 2016, which received favorable reviews. ClassicsToday.com wrote: ‘Performances by brass groups on this level are invariably good, and make uniquely satisfying listening. There’s just something about the sound of these very compatible instruments blending so richly, with such a smooth, easy, confident, cooly show-offy manner’ (9/9). BBC Music Magazine added: ‘if you like a shot of brass to set the festive ambiance, this new anthology by Septura, an elite group drawing on the finest players in London, is just the ticket.’ ★★★★

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