TCHAIKOVSKY: “THE NUTCRACKER.” RCA Red Seal RCD...

TCHAIKOVSKY: “THE NUTCRACKER.” RCA Red Seal RCD 2-7005, two compact discs. PROKOFIEV: “CINDERELLA” SUITE. RCA Red Seal RCD 1-53221. Leonard Slatkin conducting the St. Louis Symphony. Few conductors seem to enjoy “The Nutcracker” more than Slatkin, and his orchestra responds with an affectionate, meticulous account that takes the familiar classic and transforms it into something new (“Waltz of the Snowflakes” and the “Arabian Dance” are seductive). If this reading isn’t as precise as, say, the Antal Dorati versions, it certainly gives the ballet warhorse a refreshing coat of paint. The CD sound is sparkling--especially when the Sugar Plum Fairy takes center stage. It’s a pity Slatkin didn’t record the complete Prokofiev ballet instead of just the suite.