Best recordings for the following...

Dorati Nutcracker on Philips 6833 200, not sure if it is the same as the one on Mercury above.

Yes, the Nutcracker on Telarc by Mackerras and London Symphony is very well played and one of Telarc's better recordings.

Dutoit and Montreal Symphony has a beautiful Swan Lake on Decca, with superb sound.

Four Seasons has been done to death, and I've tried many, but my current favorite is Tafelmusik on Sony. I normally abhor original instrument stuff because my ears just aren't accustomed to the thin sound, but this excellent recording and performance are enjoyable.

For the 4 Seasons my preference goes to the Philips recording of I Musici -- available separately (426 944-2) or, better still in a boxed Vivaldi Edition Vol.2 (456 186-2). IMO both volume 1&2 are excellent.

Praudio: The Dorati Nutracker on Philips is NOT the same as the Mercury one (which I currently prefer): the Mercury is with the London S.O. whereas the in Philips it's the Cenertgebouw.

For the Swan Lake my preference is M Tilson Thomas / London S.O. (Sony Classical). I also like the S Ozawa /Boston S.O. version on DG.

For the 4 Seasons my preference goes to the Philips recording of I Musici -- available separately (426 944-2) or, better still in a boxed Vivaldi Edition Vol.2 (456 186-2). IMO both volume 1&2 are excellent.

Praudio: The Dorati Nutracker on Philips is NOT the same as the Mercury one (which I currently prefer): the Mercury is with the London S.O. whereas the in Philips it's the Cenertgebouw.

For the Swan Lake my preference is M Tilson Thomas / London S.O. (Sony Classical). I also like the S Ozawa /Boston S.O. version on DG.

the best "nutcracker" that i've heard is the 1998 recording by the kirov orchestra/valery gergiev.it's a digital recording and the sonics are great.the penguin guide also gave it rave reviews.