Coppélia, ABC Classic

In the world of classical music, ballet scores occupy a niche of their own. The magnificence of Tchaikovsky was preceded by Delibes’ groundbreaking music for Coppélia, and complete recordings include two versions under Richard Bonynge, a bargain version on Naxos with the Slovak Radio Symphony and Andrew Mogrelia, and the famous version on Mercury with the Minneapolis Orchestra under Antal Doráti. This new recording also includes tracks with practical variations of tempo for dancing to some of the solos.

Most are happy with good highlights, particularly as the full score of Coppélia is a moveable feast; the good bits are fabulous, the rest is a bit ordinary....