The second of Tchaikovsky’s three full length ballets, The Sleeping Beauty was initially given a lukewarm reception by the Tsar. Today it is regarded as the greatest achievement of Russian ballet music in the 19th century. Based on the Perrault fairy-tale La belle au bois dormant and choreographed by the legendary Petipa, this work overflows with radiant and joyous inventiveness. These highlights are taken from the complete recording on Naxos 8550490-92, given *** recommended status by The Penguin Guide which praises Andrew Mogrelia’s conducting for its ‘warmth, grace and vitality’.