Aus Der Ballettsuite "Dornröschen" Op. 66a

This release, featuring excerpts from Tchaikovsky's The Sleeping Beauty, was issued by the East German label ETERNA in 1962. It captures a performance by the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Witold Rowicki, a figure central to mid-century Polish symphonic music. ETERNA served as the primary state-owned record label of the German Democratic Republic, often licensing high-quality recordings from Eastern Bloc partners to provide sophisticated classical repertoire to local audiences.

The production reflects the mid-century tradition of presenting Tchaikovsky’s ballet suites as symphonic highlights, emphasizing lush orchestration and dramatic pacing. The cover design adheres to the minimalist, typographic aesthetic typical of ETERNA’s catalog during this era, prioritizing clear presentation of the composer and ensemble over the elaborate graphic illustrations seen in contemporary Western pressings. Upon its release, it was well-regarded for providing accessible, high-fidelity access to Romantic-era standards behind the Iron Curtain.