Search - Bernstein, Strauss, Dukas :: Orchestral Showpieces

Orchestral 101, classes begin now!

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 09/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This budget 2 disc set runs the gamet from Beethoven to Bernstein. The first CD features Andre Previn, digitally remastered from his 1970s stint with the London Symphony. The skimpy liner notes state this collections goal is to illustrate orchestral colors. Only Previn's performances somewhat accomplishes this as most are fireworks through music. A piece or two like "Greensleeves" is sneaked in for a more subtle coloring. Disc two abandons this premise entirely! It's bombs away with several loud staples of the orchestral genre(various artists). A nicely remastered 1959 interpretation of the underated "Russian Easter Overture" by Lovro von Matacic with the Philarmonia is included. As a whole these selections make an accessable introduction for ones first exposure to orchestral music. EMI's star artists make this preferable to other budget compilations usually featuring obscure Eastern European orchestras and conductors. This may not be available much longer!"