Cyril and the Wolf

I suspect that many people who have listened to Peter and the Wolf -- even most of those who love the piece -- figure that once they've heard it, one version is similar to another.  But with Peter and the Wolf, it's the narrator who's as important to the enjoyment as the music and performance itself.  I have a few favorites, and this one is near the top of the list.

The orchestra here is the Philadelphia Symphony, conducted by Eugene Ormandy.  But it's the narrator who leaps out.  It's Cyril Ritchard, who most people know as the wondrous Captain Hook in the Mary Martin version of another Peter -- Peter Pan.  Even if you don't want to listen to the whole thing (it lasts 24 minutes), you might enjoy several glowing minutes and (no pun intended) get hooked.