The Royal Ballet's La fille mal gardee remains a source of perpetual delight, not least for the music that John Lanchbery arranged largely from Herold's patchwork score for the 1828 version. The Clog dance is the obvious highlight of the score; but there are felicitous moments throughout, with snatches of Rossini, Donizetti et al cropping up all over the place.
This recording is the original one that Lanchbery conducted when the ballet proved such a success in the Royal Ballet's repertoire in 1960. More recently he has recorded the score complete (Decca, 12/91); and ballet lovers will doubtless consider the fuller version essential. However, others will undoubtedly find that the complete score rather outstays its welcome by comparison with this constantly uplifting selection. I should add that EMI also have a recording (10/83) with a slightly different selection. But, at medium price and wearing its 30 years lightly, this selection under the score's arranger makes a most compelling recommendation.'