Swan Lake • Der Schwanensee • Le Lac Des Cygnes / Sleeping Beauty • Dornröschen • La Belle Au Bois Dormant / The Nutcracker • Der Nußknacker • Casse-Noisette (Excerpts / Querschnitt / Extraits)

This 1993 release by the Encore label compiles iconic excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s three great ballets: Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker. The recordings feature the Philharmonia Orchestra under the baton of Efrem Kurtz, a conductor celebrated for his affinity for ballet repertoire and his long-standing relationship with major symphonic ensembles. These performances reflect the mid-century tradition of orchestral precision, capturing the lush romanticism and rhythmic clarity that defined Tchaikovsky's most beloved stage works.

The Encore label, often utilized by EMI for budget-conscious reissues, served to bring classic interpretations to a broader audience during the height of the CD era. By bundling these specific excerpts, the release provided listeners with a condensed showcase of Tchaikovsky’s narrative scores. The design reflects the practical, functional aesthetic common to classical compilation CDs of the nineties, prioritizing clear labeling across the three languages reflected in the title to ensure international accessibility for casual collectors and students of classical music.