tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

GREAT VALUE - SUPER SET, 10 Dec 2008
I am realy pleased with this boxed set. The quality of the sound on most of the CD's is quite amazing.You need have no worries about buying this set and will discover much of Stravinsky's music which you might not know.
Happy listening. Dave.

Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, 23 Aug 2008

It's common to find good value box sets from labels such as EMI Classics, Brilliant Classics and Warner Classics, but not so often on the Sony label.

In general, the bigger the set the better the value, with collections of more than ten discs often falling into the bargain category of under £1 a disc.

This collection though represents not only value for money but also provides pretty much all of Stravinsky's lifetime works (he composed around 127 pieces) in a compact box of just 5cm width thanks to the CDs being supplied in card sleeves.

The enclosed 24 booklet provides a biography of the composer, and more importantly full recording dates, venues, orchestras, soloists and conductors, and if this doesn't sound reason enough to own the set, maybe the fact that all of the recordings are conducted by Stravinsky himself should put the final seal of approval on this most comprehensive of lifetime recording achievements.

The best Stravinsky set available I think by a long, long way.


A tremendous set...., 10 Jun 2008
the master himself-why SONY/BMG dont do this with other artists is curious;
but the playing is excellent as well as the sound, for the dates of recording-and Im
exposed to pieces ive never heard, or even heard of before.
Who knew IS stuck his big toe in to the water of Jazz...?
The shoddy booklet is a real shame, but I cannot complain,
its a box set that doesnt require a fork lift to bring into the house-
and I spent EXACTLY $26.00 USD for it at TOWER Mail Order
true value for money.


Five Stars, with only a little disappointment..., 18 Jan 2008
I obviously agree with the enthusiasm shown by the preceding reviewers. Well beyond the bargain, this is a real cornerstone of the recording history. Many years have passed since the useless discussions in the Sixties about Stravinsky skills as a conductor, and with the grace of time we can honour now a neat, logical, unemphatic rendition of his masterworks.
However... (there is always a however), whilst the lack of the spoken and sung texts may be easily filled up with web services, Sony have not grabbed the opportunity of this compact re-edition of the 1991 Recorded Legacy megabox to heal an annoying flaw with respect to the original 1982 Centenary Edition in 31 LPs: the cancellation of ten works, which well depicted the artistic flavour of the Stravinsky years. One of the reviewers spoke of the discovery of a great pianist, Charles Rosen; well, many of the cancelled works gave exactly this type of information and feeling.
If someone is interested in knowing the details, the omitted works are: Pastorale for voice and piano (Tourel/Rogers); Tango for two pianos and Concerto for two pianos (Vronsky and Babin, the concerto however being substituted by a very old EMI recording by the Stravinskys); Serenade for piano (Rosen, also substituted by another old EMI recording by Stravinsky); Three Easy Pieces and Five Easy Pieces for four-hands piano (Gold and Fizdale); finally, and above all, the Pastorale for violin and wind quartet (Szigeti with Stravinsky and an unspecified wind quartet), the arrangement of The Star-spangled Banner (Stravinsky), the short Fanfare for a new Theatre (Heinrich and Nagel), and the Chanson Russe for violin and piano (Szigeti and Stravinsky).
Five stars, no doubt, also taking into account this imperfection. By the way, the Fanfare, the Star-spangled Banner, and the Chanson Russe are contained in another Sony box, the well known Original Jacket Collection - Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky (SX9K 64136).


What a magnificent collection !, 27 Oct 2007
I have always regarded Stravinsky as one of the most outstanding composers I have ever listened to but had not, until now, quite realised what a stunning variety of music he had written during his lifetime.
Sony have always been a reliable name to count on for top quality products and this box set has not failed to delight.
I only wish some of the other recording companies could produce similar high quality box sets at such bargain prices.
Congratulations to Sony and if the maestro is listening upstairs - bravo !!

tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

GREAT VALUE - SUPER SET, 10 Dec 2008
I am realy pleased with this boxed set. The quality of the sound on most of the CD's is quite amazing.You need have no worries about buying this set and will discover much of Stravinsky's music which you might not know.
Happy listening. Dave.

Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, 23 Aug 2008

It's common to find good value box sets from labels such as EMI Classics, Brilliant Classics and Warner Classics, but not so often on the Sony label.

In general, the bigger the set the better the value, with collections of more than ten discs often falling into the bargain category of under £1 a disc.

This collection though represents not only value for money but also provides pretty much all of Stravinsky's lifetime works (he composed around 127 pieces) in a compact box of just 5cm width thanks to the CDs being supplied in card sleeves.

The enclosed 24 booklet provides a biography of the composer, and more importantly full recording dates, venues, orchestras, soloists and conductors, and if this doesn't sound reason enough to own the set, maybe the fact that all of the recordings are conducted by Stravinsky himself should put the final seal of approval on this most comprehensive of lifetime recording achievements.

The best Stravinsky set available I think by a long, long way.


A tremendous set...., 10 Jun 2008
the master himself-why SONY/BMG dont do this with other artists is curious;
but the playing is excellent as well as the sound, for the dates of recording-and Im
exposed to pieces ive never heard, or even heard of before.
Who knew IS stuck his big toe in to the water of Jazz...?
The shoddy booklet is a real shame, but I cannot complain,
its a box set that doesnt require a fork lift to bring into the house-
and I spent EXACTLY $26.00 USD for it at TOWER Mail Order
true value for money.


Five Stars, with only a little disappointment..., 18 Jan 2008
I obviously agree with the enthusiasm shown by the preceding reviewers. Well beyond the bargain, this is a real cornerstone of the recording history. Many years have passed since the useless discussions in the Sixties about Stravinsky skills as a conductor, and with the grace of time we can honour now a neat, logical, unemphatic rendition of his masterworks.
However... (there is always a however), whilst the lack of the spoken and sung texts may be easily filled up with web services, Sony have not grabbed the opportunity of this compact re-edition of the 1991 Recorded Legacy megabox to heal an annoying flaw with respect to the original 1982 Centenary Edition in 31 LPs: the cancellation of ten works, which well depicted the artistic flavour of the Stravinsky years. One of the reviewers spoke of the discovery of a great pianist, Charles Rosen; well, many of the cancelled works gave exactly this type of information and feeling.
If someone is interested in knowing the details, the omitted works are: Pastorale for voice and piano (Tourel/Rogers); Tango for two pianos and Concerto for two pianos (Vronsky and Babin, the concerto however being substituted by a very old EMI recording by the Stravinskys); Serenade for piano (Rosen, also substituted by another old EMI recording by Stravinsky); Three Easy Pieces and Five Easy Pieces for four-hands piano (Gold and Fizdale); finally, and above all, the Pastorale for violin and wind quartet (Szigeti with Stravinsky and an unspecified wind quartet), the arrangement of The Star-spangled Banner (Stravinsky), the short Fanfare for a new Theatre (Heinrich and Nagel), and the Chanson Russe for violin and piano (Szigeti and Stravinsky).
Five stars, no doubt, also taking into account this imperfection. By the way, the Fanfare, the Star-spangled Banner, and the Chanson Russe are contained in another Sony box, the well known Original Jacket Collection - Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky (SX9K 64136).


What a magnificent collection !, 27 Oct 2007
I have always regarded Stravinsky as one of the most outstanding composers I have ever listened to but had not, until now, quite realised what a stunning variety of music he had written during his lifetime.
Sony have always been a reliable name to count on for top quality products and this box set has not failed to delight.
I only wish some of the other recording companies could produce similar high quality box sets at such bargain prices.
Congratulations to Sony and if the maestro is listening upstairs - bravo !!

CRACKING RECORDING, 23 Oct 2008
yes it didn't win a Gramophone award but surely it's a fantastic recording. crystal clear, well directed by Sir Charles Mackerras. Listening to them is pure joy. Dont know where to start? this is the recording that you can start with absolutely! 5 star!

Benchmark Mozart, 07 Sep 2008
It is the mark of a fine conductor that s/he treat Mozart and Haydn symphonies with he same reverence as, say, Beethoven or Bruckner. In his last four symphonies Mozart establishes a standard for symphonic writing that later composers, Beethoven included, were to respond to and build on. Mackerras has long been a Mozartian par excellence, although his earlier recordings of these symphonies are not, in this reviewer's opinion, of the best. These new recordings with the SCO certainly are.

Mackerras adopts a modern approach to these works that is informed by 'period instrument' performances, while still allowing the sort of spaciousness one tends to find in the performances of more 'old school' conductors - Bohm and Bernstein, for example, are both worth hearing in this repertoire, but Mackerras has the edge on both; he is somehow that bit more 'Mozartian'. The SCO is outstanding as always, responding stylishly and gracefully to Mackerras's meticulous detail.

I've been looking for some time for a modern instrument recording of these works that can stand repeated listening and I found it in these; in fact, for me, Mackerras offers the most rounded and consistently pleasing account of these great works and I would recommend them whole-heartedly.

One for us all, 21 May 2008
I have given this record full marks, but this is clearly a 6 out of 5 record. It gets 4 stars just for the content, the performance clearly merits at least 2 extra!

There is a lot of elitist bull**** surrounding classical music, but this is a record for us all. As long as you like 'music' and you have got a reasonably open mind spend the £8 and buy this CD. Listen to track 1 CD 1 3 or 4 times (it deserves that much patience!) at the end of it if you are not a convert then go and speak to the devil to buy back your soul.

You can almost reach out and touch the genius in this music, the changes of pace, the change of key...this is an artist operating beyond the ordinary.

Buy it you will never regret it.



A Mozart Must!, 12 Apr 2008
I have been searching for the definitive recording of these the most famous of all of his symphonies and I think I've found it in this offering from Linn, the performance by the Scottish chamber orchestra it has to be said is absolutely superb under Sir Charles' baton, every instrument is clearly heard individually, up until now all I've heard of these symphonies are some hissy 1960's recordings on bargain CD offerings, and a recording of an ECO / Jeffrey Tate performance from 1985 as part of a Mozart 50 cd collector's edition which I made the mistake of purchasing which I'm now going to ditch. If Mackerras can come up with the goods by recording the earlier symphonies I will gladly part with plastic to purchase these as well, Mozart will change your life. 10/10.

Enrich your life, 15 Mar 2008
I really can't add anything more to these reviews except to say that - if you are new to classical music and don't know what to listen to first - then these symphonies, crammed with sublime tunes and melodies, and beautifully played make the ideal place to start. Transform your life and listen to Mozart.

tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

GREAT VALUE - SUPER SET, 10 Dec 2008
I am realy pleased with this boxed set. The quality of the sound on most of the CD's is quite amazing.You need have no worries about buying this set and will discover much of Stravinsky's music which you might not know.
Happy listening. Dave.

Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, 23 Aug 2008

It's common to find good value box sets from labels such as EMI Classics, Brilliant Classics and Warner Classics, but not so often on the Sony label.

In general, the bigger the set the better the value, with collections of more than ten discs often falling into the bargain category of under £1 a disc.

This collection though represents not only value for money but also provides pretty much all of Stravinsky's lifetime works (he composed around 127 pieces) in a compact box of just 5cm width thanks to the CDs being supplied in card sleeves.

The enclosed 24 booklet provides a biography of the composer, and more importantly full recording dates, venues, orchestras, soloists and conductors, and if this doesn't sound reason enough to own the set, maybe the fact that all of the recordings are conducted by Stravinsky himself should put the final seal of approval on this most comprehensive of lifetime recording achievements.

The best Stravinsky set available I think by a long, long way.


A tremendous set...., 10 Jun 2008
the master himself-why SONY/BMG dont do this with other artists is curious;
but the playing is excellent as well as the sound, for the dates of recording-and Im
exposed to pieces ive never heard, or even heard of before.
Who knew IS stuck his big toe in to the water of Jazz...?
The shoddy booklet is a real shame, but I cannot complain,
its a box set that doesnt require a fork lift to bring into the house-
and I spent EXACTLY $26.00 USD for it at TOWER Mail Order
true value for money.


Five Stars, with only a little disappointment..., 18 Jan 2008
I obviously agree with the enthusiasm shown by the preceding reviewers. Well beyond the bargain, this is a real cornerstone of the recording history. Many years have passed since the useless discussions in the Sixties about Stravinsky skills as a conductor, and with the grace of time we can honour now a neat, logical, unemphatic rendition of his masterworks.
However... (there is always a however), whilst the lack of the spoken and sung texts may be easily filled up with web services, Sony have not grabbed the opportunity of this compact re-edition of the 1991 Recorded Legacy megabox to heal an annoying flaw with respect to the original 1982 Centenary Edition in 31 LPs: the cancellation of ten works, which well depicted the artistic flavour of the Stravinsky years. One of the reviewers spoke of the discovery of a great pianist, Charles Rosen; well, many of the cancelled works gave exactly this type of information and feeling.
If someone is interested in knowing the details, the omitted works are: Pastorale for voice and piano (Tourel/Rogers); Tango for two pianos and Concerto for two pianos (Vronsky and Babin, the concerto however being substituted by a very old EMI recording by the Stravinskys); Serenade for piano (Rosen, also substituted by another old EMI recording by Stravinsky); Three Easy Pieces and Five Easy Pieces for four-hands piano (Gold and Fizdale); finally, and above all, the Pastorale for violin and wind quartet (Szigeti with Stravinsky and an unspecified wind quartet), the arrangement of The Star-spangled Banner (Stravinsky), the short Fanfare for a new Theatre (Heinrich and Nagel), and the Chanson Russe for violin and piano (Szigeti and Stravinsky).
Five stars, no doubt, also taking into account this imperfection. By the way, the Fanfare, the Star-spangled Banner, and the Chanson Russe are contained in another Sony box, the well known Original Jacket Collection - Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky (SX9K 64136).


What a magnificent collection !, 27 Oct 2007
I have always regarded Stravinsky as one of the most outstanding composers I have ever listened to but had not, until now, quite realised what a stunning variety of music he had written during his lifetime.
Sony have always been a reliable name to count on for top quality products and this box set has not failed to delight.
I only wish some of the other recording companies could produce similar high quality box sets at such bargain prices.
Congratulations to Sony and if the maestro is listening upstairs - bravo !!

CRACKING RECORDING, 23 Oct 2008
yes it didn't win a Gramophone award but surely it's a fantastic recording. crystal clear, well directed by Sir Charles Mackerras. Listening to them is pure joy. Dont know where to start? this is the recording that you can start with absolutely! 5 star!

Benchmark Mozart, 07 Sep 2008
It is the mark of a fine conductor that s/he treat Mozart and Haydn symphonies with he same reverence as, say, Beethoven or Bruckner. In his last four symphonies Mozart establishes a standard for symphonic writing that later composers, Beethoven included, were to respond to and build on. Mackerras has long been a Mozartian par excellence, although his earlier recordings of these symphonies are not, in this reviewer's opinion, of the best. These new recordings with the SCO certainly are.

Mackerras adopts a modern approach to these works that is informed by 'period instrument' performances, while still allowing the sort of spaciousness one tends to find in the performances of more 'old school' conductors - Bohm and Bernstein, for example, are both worth hearing in this repertoire, but Mackerras has the edge on both; he is somehow that bit more 'Mozartian'. The SCO is outstanding as always, responding stylishly and gracefully to Mackerras's meticulous detail.

I've been looking for some time for a modern instrument recording of these works that can stand repeated listening and I found it in these; in fact, for me, Mackerras offers the most rounded and consistently pleasing account of these great works and I would recommend them whole-heartedly.

One for us all, 21 May 2008
I have given this record full marks, but this is clearly a 6 out of 5 record. It gets 4 stars just for the content, the performance clearly merits at least 2 extra!

There is a lot of elitist bull**** surrounding classical music, but this is a record for us all. As long as you like 'music' and you have got a reasonably open mind spend the £8 and buy this CD. Listen to track 1 CD 1 3 or 4 times (it deserves that much patience!) at the end of it if you are not a convert then go and speak to the devil to buy back your soul.

You can almost reach out and touch the genius in this music, the changes of pace, the change of key...this is an artist operating beyond the ordinary.

Buy it you will never regret it.



A Mozart Must!, 12 Apr 2008
I have been searching for the definitive recording of these the most famous of all of his symphonies and I think I've found it in this offering from Linn, the performance by the Scottish chamber orchestra it has to be said is absolutely superb under Sir Charles' baton, every instrument is clearly heard individually, up until now all I've heard of these symphonies are some hissy 1960's recordings on bargain CD offerings, and a recording of an ECO / Jeffrey Tate performance from 1985 as part of a Mozart 50 cd collector's edition which I made the mistake of purchasing which I'm now going to ditch. If Mackerras can come up with the goods by recording the earlier symphonies I will gladly part with plastic to purchase these as well, Mozart will change your life. 10/10.

Enrich your life, 15 Mar 2008
I really can't add anything more to these reviews except to say that - if you are new to classical music and don't know what to listen to first - then these symphonies, crammed with sublime tunes and melodies, and beautifully played make the ideal place to start. Transform your life and listen to Mozart.

A must buy, 04 Mar 2007
I don't know much about classical music unlike the other reviewers for this CD. However, I was fortunate in that my mother bought me a record (remember them?) of Concertos no 1,3 and 5. You get

1. all 6 Brandenburg concertos beautifully played by English Chamber Orchestra. Normally albums of Bach's Brandenburg concertos only have three of the concertos. Having listened to a few of these, the quality of this CD is at least equal to those recordings in my opinion.

2. two additional concertos: the Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings and the Concerto for Flute and Strings. The first of these, as observed in the other reviews, is stunning.

I think this CD is fabulous to listen to and is a complete steal for the price.

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

Bach Concertos, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's music lies in his concerti, and naturally one wonders which recordings to buy with so much choice. I was totally struck by the performance of the concerti on this disc - I can honestly say that you need look no further, in particular for the recording of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. In a time and age where the question of baroque authenticity is rife, scholars, performers and music appreciaters have began to pose questions as to what one looks for in a performance, what is correct and incorrect and moreover, what makes a good performance. Timeless recordings like this answer these questions in no uncertain terms, and remind us that no amount of talking, philosophising and by-the-book reinventing of the past will substitute a truelly musically intuitive performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something totally sublime - this disc is certainly one to own, even if only to hear this remarkable duo!

tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

GREAT VALUE - SUPER SET, 10 Dec 2008
I am realy pleased with this boxed set. The quality of the sound on most of the CD's is quite amazing.You need have no worries about buying this set and will discover much of Stravinsky's music which you might not know.
Happy listening. Dave.

Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, 23 Aug 2008

It's common to find good value box sets from labels such as EMI Classics, Brilliant Classics and Warner Classics, but not so often on the Sony label.

In general, the bigger the set the better the value, with collections of more than ten discs often falling into the bargain category of under £1 a disc.

This collection though represents not only value for money but also provides pretty much all of Stravinsky's lifetime works (he composed around 127 pieces) in a compact box of just 5cm width thanks to the CDs being supplied in card sleeves.

The enclosed 24 booklet provides a biography of the composer, and more importantly full recording dates, venues, orchestras, soloists and conductors, and if this doesn't sound reason enough to own the set, maybe the fact that all of the recordings are conducted by Stravinsky himself should put the final seal of approval on this most comprehensive of lifetime recording achievements.

The best Stravinsky set available I think by a long, long way.


A tremendous set...., 10 Jun 2008
the master himself-why SONY/BMG dont do this with other artists is curious;
but the playing is excellent as well as the sound, for the dates of recording-and Im
exposed to pieces ive never heard, or even heard of before.
Who knew IS stuck his big toe in to the water of Jazz...?
The shoddy booklet is a real shame, but I cannot complain,
its a box set that doesnt require a fork lift to bring into the house-
and I spent EXACTLY $26.00 USD for it at TOWER Mail Order
true value for money.


Five Stars, with only a little disappointment..., 18 Jan 2008
I obviously agree with the enthusiasm shown by the preceding reviewers. Well beyond the bargain, this is a real cornerstone of the recording history. Many years have passed since the useless discussions in the Sixties about Stravinsky skills as a conductor, and with the grace of time we can honour now a neat, logical, unemphatic rendition of his masterworks.
However... (there is always a however), whilst the lack of the spoken and sung texts may be easily filled up with web services, Sony have not grabbed the opportunity of this compact re-edition of the 1991 Recorded Legacy megabox to heal an annoying flaw with respect to the original 1982 Centenary Edition in 31 LPs: the cancellation of ten works, which well depicted the artistic flavour of the Stravinsky years. One of the reviewers spoke of the discovery of a great pianist, Charles Rosen; well, many of the cancelled works gave exactly this type of information and feeling.
If someone is interested in knowing the details, the omitted works are: Pastorale for voice and piano (Tourel/Rogers); Tango for two pianos and Concerto for two pianos (Vronsky and Babin, the concerto however being substituted by a very old EMI recording by the Stravinskys); Serenade for piano (Rosen, also substituted by another old EMI recording by Stravinsky); Three Easy Pieces and Five Easy Pieces for four-hands piano (Gold and Fizdale); finally, and above all, the Pastorale for violin and wind quartet (Szigeti with Stravinsky and an unspecified wind quartet), the arrangement of The Star-spangled Banner (Stravinsky), the short Fanfare for a new Theatre (Heinrich and Nagel), and the Chanson Russe for violin and piano (Szigeti and Stravinsky).
Five stars, no doubt, also taking into account this imperfection. By the way, the Fanfare, the Star-spangled Banner, and the Chanson Russe are contained in another Sony box, the well known Original Jacket Collection - Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky (SX9K 64136).


What a magnificent collection !, 27 Oct 2007
I have always regarded Stravinsky as one of the most outstanding composers I have ever listened to but had not, until now, quite realised what a stunning variety of music he had written during his lifetime.
Sony have always been a reliable name to count on for top quality products and this box set has not failed to delight.
I only wish some of the other recording companies could produce similar high quality box sets at such bargain prices.
Congratulations to Sony and if the maestro is listening upstairs - bravo !!

CRACKING RECORDING, 23 Oct 2008
yes it didn't win a Gramophone award but surely it's a fantastic recording. crystal clear, well directed by Sir Charles Mackerras. Listening to them is pure joy. Dont know where to start? this is the recording that you can start with absolutely! 5 star!

Benchmark Mozart, 07 Sep 2008
It is the mark of a fine conductor that s/he treat Mozart and Haydn symphonies with he same reverence as, say, Beethoven or Bruckner. In his last four symphonies Mozart establishes a standard for symphonic writing that later composers, Beethoven included, were to respond to and build on. Mackerras has long been a Mozartian par excellence, although his earlier recordings of these symphonies are not, in this reviewer's opinion, of the best. These new recordings with the SCO certainly are.

Mackerras adopts a modern approach to these works that is informed by 'period instrument' performances, while still allowing the sort of spaciousness one tends to find in the performances of more 'old school' conductors - Bohm and Bernstein, for example, are both worth hearing in this repertoire, but Mackerras has the edge on both; he is somehow that bit more 'Mozartian'. The SCO is outstanding as always, responding stylishly and gracefully to Mackerras's meticulous detail.

I've been looking for some time for a modern instrument recording of these works that can stand repeated listening and I found it in these; in fact, for me, Mackerras offers the most rounded and consistently pleasing account of these great works and I would recommend them whole-heartedly.

One for us all, 21 May 2008
I have given this record full marks, but this is clearly a 6 out of 5 record. It gets 4 stars just for the content, the performance clearly merits at least 2 extra!

There is a lot of elitist bull**** surrounding classical music, but this is a record for us all. As long as you like 'music' and you have got a reasonably open mind spend the £8 and buy this CD. Listen to track 1 CD 1 3 or 4 times (it deserves that much patience!) at the end of it if you are not a convert then go and speak to the devil to buy back your soul.

You can almost reach out and touch the genius in this music, the changes of pace, the change of key...this is an artist operating beyond the ordinary.

Buy it you will never regret it.



A Mozart Must!, 12 Apr 2008
I have been searching for the definitive recording of these the most famous of all of his symphonies and I think I've found it in this offering from Linn, the performance by the Scottish chamber orchestra it has to be said is absolutely superb under Sir Charles' baton, every instrument is clearly heard individually, up until now all I've heard of these symphonies are some hissy 1960's recordings on bargain CD offerings, and a recording of an ECO / Jeffrey Tate performance from 1985 as part of a Mozart 50 cd collector's edition which I made the mistake of purchasing which I'm now going to ditch. If Mackerras can come up with the goods by recording the earlier symphonies I will gladly part with plastic to purchase these as well, Mozart will change your life. 10/10.

Enrich your life, 15 Mar 2008
I really can't add anything more to these reviews except to say that - if you are new to classical music and don't know what to listen to first - then these symphonies, crammed with sublime tunes and melodies, and beautifully played make the ideal place to start. Transform your life and listen to Mozart.

A must buy, 04 Mar 2007
I don't know much about classical music unlike the other reviewers for this CD. However, I was fortunate in that my mother bought me a record (remember them?) of Concertos no 1,3 and 5. You get

1. all 6 Brandenburg concertos beautifully played by English Chamber Orchestra. Normally albums of Bach's Brandenburg concertos only have three of the concertos. Having listened to a few of these, the quality of this CD is at least equal to those recordings in my opinion.

2. two additional concertos: the Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings and the Concerto for Flute and Strings. The first of these, as observed in the other reviews, is stunning.

I think this CD is fabulous to listen to and is a complete steal for the price.

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

Bach Concertos, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's music lies in his concerti, and naturally one wonders which recordings to buy with so much choice. I was totally struck by the performance of the concerti on this disc - I can honestly say that you need look no further, in particular for the recording of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. In a time and age where the question of baroque authenticity is rife, scholars, performers and music appreciaters have began to pose questions as to what one looks for in a performance, what is correct and incorrect and moreover, what makes a good performance. Timeless recordings like this answer these questions in no uncertain terms, and remind us that no amount of talking, philosophising and by-the-book reinventing of the past will substitute a truelly musically intuitive performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something totally sublime - this disc is certainly one to own, even if only to hear this remarkable duo!

BUIKA-nina de fuega, 03 Jun 2008
I heard this album, whilst on holiday in Girona (Spain).
It is a must buy album. Even if you can't understand Spanish,she has a wonderful voice. It has a contemporary-jazzy sound without losing the traditional Espanic feeling. thanks for readind DaveyT.

tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

GREAT VALUE - SUPER SET, 10 Dec 2008
I am realy pleased with this boxed set. The quality of the sound on most of the CD's is quite amazing.You need have no worries about buying this set and will discover much of Stravinsky's music which you might not know.
Happy listening. Dave.

Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, 23 Aug 2008

It's common to find good value box sets from labels such as EMI Classics, Brilliant Classics and Warner Classics, but not so often on the Sony label.

In general, the bigger the set the better the value, with collections of more than ten discs often falling into the bargain category of under £1 a disc.

This collection though represents not only value for money but also provides pretty much all of Stravinsky's lifetime works (he composed around 127 pieces) in a compact box of just 5cm width thanks to the CDs being supplied in card sleeves.

The enclosed 24 booklet provides a biography of the composer, and more importantly full recording dates, venues, orchestras, soloists and conductors, and if this doesn't sound reason enough to own the set, maybe the fact that all of the recordings are conducted by Stravinsky himself should put the final seal of approval on this most comprehensive of lifetime recording achievements.

The best Stravinsky set available I think by a long, long way.


A tremendous set...., 10 Jun 2008
the master himself-why SONY/BMG dont do this with other artists is curious;
but the playing is excellent as well as the sound, for the dates of recording-and Im
exposed to pieces ive never heard, or even heard of before.
Who knew IS stuck his big toe in to the water of Jazz...?
The shoddy booklet is a real shame, but I cannot complain,
its a box set that doesnt require a fork lift to bring into the house-
and I spent EXACTLY $26.00 USD for it at TOWER Mail Order
true value for money.


Five Stars, with only a little disappointment..., 18 Jan 2008
I obviously agree with the enthusiasm shown by the preceding reviewers. Well beyond the bargain, this is a real cornerstone of the recording history. Many years have passed since the useless discussions in the Sixties about Stravinsky skills as a conductor, and with the grace of time we can honour now a neat, logical, unemphatic rendition of his masterworks.
However... (there is always a however), whilst the lack of the spoken and sung texts may be easily filled up with web services, Sony have not grabbed the opportunity of this compact re-edition of the 1991 Recorded Legacy megabox to heal an annoying flaw with respect to the original 1982 Centenary Edition in 31 LPs: the cancellation of ten works, which well depicted the artistic flavour of the Stravinsky years. One of the reviewers spoke of the discovery of a great pianist, Charles Rosen; well, many of the cancelled works gave exactly this type of information and feeling.
If someone is interested in knowing the details, the omitted works are: Pastorale for voice and piano (Tourel/Rogers); Tango for two pianos and Concerto for two pianos (Vronsky and Babin, the concerto however being substituted by a very old EMI recording by the Stravinskys); Serenade for piano (Rosen, also substituted by another old EMI recording by Stravinsky); Three Easy Pieces and Five Easy Pieces for four-hands piano (Gold and Fizdale); finally, and above all, the Pastorale for violin and wind quartet (Szigeti with Stravinsky and an unspecified wind quartet), the arrangement of The Star-spangled Banner (Stravinsky), the short Fanfare for a new Theatre (Heinrich and Nagel), and the Chanson Russe for violin and piano (Szigeti and Stravinsky).
Five stars, no doubt, also taking into account this imperfection. By the way, the Fanfare, the Star-spangled Banner, and the Chanson Russe are contained in another Sony box, the well known Original Jacket Collection - Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky (SX9K 64136).


What a magnificent collection !, 27 Oct 2007
I have always regarded Stravinsky as one of the most outstanding composers I have ever listened to but had not, until now, quite realised what a stunning variety of music he had written during his lifetime.
Sony have always been a reliable name to count on for top quality products and this box set has not failed to delight.
I only wish some of the other recording companies could produce similar high quality box sets at such bargain prices.
Congratulations to Sony and if the maestro is listening upstairs - bravo !!

CRACKING RECORDING, 23 Oct 2008
yes it didn't win a Gramophone award but surely it's a fantastic recording. crystal clear, well directed by Sir Charles Mackerras. Listening to them is pure joy. Dont know where to start? this is the recording that you can start with absolutely! 5 star!

Benchmark Mozart, 07 Sep 2008
It is the mark of a fine conductor that s/he treat Mozart and Haydn symphonies with he same reverence as, say, Beethoven or Bruckner. In his last four symphonies Mozart establishes a standard for symphonic writing that later composers, Beethoven included, were to respond to and build on. Mackerras has long been a Mozartian par excellence, although his earlier recordings of these symphonies are not, in this reviewer's opinion, of the best. These new recordings with the SCO certainly are.

Mackerras adopts a modern approach to these works that is informed by 'period instrument' performances, while still allowing the sort of spaciousness one tends to find in the performances of more 'old school' conductors - Bohm and Bernstein, for example, are both worth hearing in this repertoire, but Mackerras has the edge on both; he is somehow that bit more 'Mozartian'. The SCO is outstanding as always, responding stylishly and gracefully to Mackerras's meticulous detail.

I've been looking for some time for a modern instrument recording of these works that can stand repeated listening and I found it in these; in fact, for me, Mackerras offers the most rounded and consistently pleasing account of these great works and I would recommend them whole-heartedly.

One for us all, 21 May 2008
I have given this record full marks, but this is clearly a 6 out of 5 record. It gets 4 stars just for the content, the performance clearly merits at least 2 extra!

There is a lot of elitist bull**** surrounding classical music, but this is a record for us all. As long as you like 'music' and you have got a reasonably open mind spend the £8 and buy this CD. Listen to track 1 CD 1 3 or 4 times (it deserves that much patience!) at the end of it if you are not a convert then go and speak to the devil to buy back your soul.

You can almost reach out and touch the genius in this music, the changes of pace, the change of key...this is an artist operating beyond the ordinary.

Buy it you will never regret it.



A Mozart Must!, 12 Apr 2008
I have been searching for the definitive recording of these the most famous of all of his symphonies and I think I've found it in this offering from Linn, the performance by the Scottish chamber orchestra it has to be said is absolutely superb under Sir Charles' baton, every instrument is clearly heard individually, up until now all I've heard of these symphonies are some hissy 1960's recordings on bargain CD offerings, and a recording of an ECO / Jeffrey Tate performance from 1985 as part of a Mozart 50 cd collector's edition which I made the mistake of purchasing which I'm now going to ditch. If Mackerras can come up with the goods by recording the earlier symphonies I will gladly part with plastic to purchase these as well, Mozart will change your life. 10/10.

Enrich your life, 15 Mar 2008
I really can't add anything more to these reviews except to say that - if you are new to classical music and don't know what to listen to first - then these symphonies, crammed with sublime tunes and melodies, and beautifully played make the ideal place to start. Transform your life and listen to Mozart.

A must buy, 04 Mar 2007
I don't know much about classical music unlike the other reviewers for this CD. However, I was fortunate in that my mother bought me a record (remember them?) of Concertos no 1,3 and 5. You get

1. all 6 Brandenburg concertos beautifully played by English Chamber Orchestra. Normally albums of Bach's Brandenburg concertos only have three of the concertos. Having listened to a few of these, the quality of this CD is at least equal to those recordings in my opinion.

2. two additional concertos: the Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings and the Concerto for Flute and Strings. The first of these, as observed in the other reviews, is stunning.

I think this CD is fabulous to listen to and is a complete steal for the price.

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

Bach Concertos, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's music lies in his concerti, and naturally one wonders which recordings to buy with so much choice. I was totally struck by the performance of the concerti on this disc - I can honestly say that you need look no further, in particular for the recording of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. In a time and age where the question of baroque authenticity is rife, scholars, performers and music appreciaters have began to pose questions as to what one looks for in a performance, what is correct and incorrect and moreover, what makes a good performance. Timeless recordings like this answer these questions in no uncertain terms, and remind us that no amount of talking, philosophising and by-the-book reinventing of the past will substitute a truelly musically intuitive performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something totally sublime - this disc is certainly one to own, even if only to hear this remarkable duo!

BUIKA-nina de fuega, 03 Jun 2008
I heard this album, whilst on holiday in Girona (Spain).
It is a must buy album. Even if you can't understand Spanish,she has a wonderful voice. It has a contemporary-jazzy sound without losing the traditional Espanic feeling. thanks for readind DaveyT.

These recordings live forever, 15 Dec 2008

These are three classic, timeless, almost historical (1963 and 1965) recordings of Elgar's works by three great champions of the composer - conductor Sir John Barbirolli, Jacqueline du Pre and Dame Janet Baker, and full credit to EMI too for preserving and continually remarketing these great recordings.

However, great as the recordings are, they are all included in the EMI Classsics 5CD set `Elgar Orchestral Works' which also has the complete Enigma Variations, Symphonies 1 and 2, and all the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, so my recommendation has to be that set rather than this single disc offering.

This new recording on the Naxos label makes a pleasant change from the usual seasonal compilations of hymns or pop songs. It takes its name from the most substantial work on the disc--Victor Hely-Hutchinson's A Carol Symphony--which is complemented with three other symphonic pieces based on Christmas music.

First up is Bryan Kelly's Improvisations on Christmas Carols, a five-movement work based on well-known tunes such as "Past three o'clock" and "I saw three ships". Hely-Hutchinson's work follows. It is symphonic in structure and based on popular carols too, the highlight being the slow third movement where the spine-tingling "Coventry Carol" melts into a magical arrangement of "The First Nowell".

Arrangements by Philip Lane of Warlock and traditional English wassails break up the carolling before Patric Standford's A Christmas Carol Symphony rounds off the disc. It's rousing opening movement combines three jolly carols--"Deck the Halls", "Ding dong merrily on high" and "God rest ye merry gentlemen"--before "Away in a manger" takes over for the second. The grand finale brings together a myriad of carols and songs--I counted nine, but there could be more. --Rebecca Agnew

tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

GREAT VALUE - SUPER SET, 10 Dec 2008
I am realy pleased with this boxed set. The quality of the sound on most of the CD's is quite amazing.You need have no worries about buying this set and will discover much of Stravinsky's music which you might not know.
Happy listening. Dave.

Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, 23 Aug 2008

It's common to find good value box sets from labels such as EMI Classics, Brilliant Classics and Warner Classics, but not so often on the Sony label.

In general, the bigger the set the better the value, with collections of more than ten discs often falling into the bargain category of under £1 a disc.

This collection though represents not only value for money but also provides pretty much all of Stravinsky's lifetime works (he composed around 127 pieces) in a compact box of just 5cm width thanks to the CDs being supplied in card sleeves.

The enclosed 24 booklet provides a biography of the composer, and more importantly full recording dates, venues, orchestras, soloists and conductors, and if this doesn't sound reason enough to own the set, maybe the fact that all of the recordings are conducted by Stravinsky himself should put the final seal of approval on this most comprehensive of lifetime recording achievements.

The best Stravinsky set available I think by a long, long way.


A tremendous set...., 10 Jun 2008
the master himself-why SONY/BMG dont do this with other artists is curious;
but the playing is excellent as well as the sound, for the dates of recording-and Im
exposed to pieces ive never heard, or even heard of before.
Who knew IS stuck his big toe in to the water of Jazz...?
The shoddy booklet is a real shame, but I cannot complain,
its a box set that doesnt require a fork lift to bring into the house-
and I spent EXACTLY $26.00 USD for it at TOWER Mail Order
true value for money.


Five Stars, with only a little disappointment..., 18 Jan 2008
I obviously agree with the enthusiasm shown by the preceding reviewers. Well beyond the bargain, this is a real cornerstone of the recording history. Many years have passed since the useless discussions in the Sixties about Stravinsky skills as a conductor, and with the grace of time we can honour now a neat, logical, unemphatic rendition of his masterworks.
However... (there is always a however), whilst the lack of the spoken and sung texts may be easily filled up with web services, Sony have not grabbed the opportunity of this compact re-edition of the 1991 Recorded Legacy megabox to heal an annoying flaw with respect to the original 1982 Centenary Edition in 31 LPs: the cancellation of ten works, which well depicted the artistic flavour of the Stravinsky years. One of the reviewers spoke of the discovery of a great pianist, Charles Rosen; well, many of the cancelled works gave exactly this type of information and feeling.
If someone is interested in knowing the details, the omitted works are: Pastorale for voice and piano (Tourel/Rogers); Tango for two pianos and Concerto for two pianos (Vronsky and Babin, the concerto however being substituted by a very old EMI recording by the Stravinskys); Serenade for piano (Rosen, also substituted by another old EMI recording by Stravinsky); Three Easy Pieces and Five Easy Pieces for four-hands piano (Gold and Fizdale); finally, and above all, the Pastorale for violin and wind quartet (Szigeti with Stravinsky and an unspecified wind quartet), the arrangement of The Star-spangled Banner (Stravinsky), the short Fanfare for a new Theatre (Heinrich and Nagel), and the Chanson Russe for violin and piano (Szigeti and Stravinsky).
Five stars, no doubt, also taking into account this imperfection. By the way, the Fanfare, the Star-spangled Banner, and the Chanson Russe are contained in another Sony box, the well known Original Jacket Collection - Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky (SX9K 64136).


What a magnificent collection !, 27 Oct 2007
I have always regarded Stravinsky as one of the most outstanding composers I have ever listened to but had not, until now, quite realised what a stunning variety of music he had written during his lifetime.
Sony have always been a reliable name to count on for top quality products and this box set has not failed to delight.
I only wish some of the other recording companies could produce similar high quality box sets at such bargain prices.
Congratulations to Sony and if the maestro is listening upstairs - bravo !!

CRACKING RECORDING, 23 Oct 2008
yes it didn't win a Gramophone award but surely it's a fantastic recording. crystal clear, well directed by Sir Charles Mackerras. Listening to them is pure joy. Dont know where to start? this is the recording that you can start with absolutely! 5 star!

Benchmark Mozart, 07 Sep 2008
It is the mark of a fine conductor that s/he treat Mozart and Haydn symphonies with he same reverence as, say, Beethoven or Bruckner. In his last four symphonies Mozart establishes a standard for symphonic writing that later composers, Beethoven included, were to respond to and build on. Mackerras has long been a Mozartian par excellence, although his earlier recordings of these symphonies are not, in this reviewer's opinion, of the best. These new recordings with the SCO certainly are.

Mackerras adopts a modern approach to these works that is informed by 'period instrument' performances, while still allowing the sort of spaciousness one tends to find in the performances of more 'old school' conductors - Bohm and Bernstein, for example, are both worth hearing in this repertoire, but Mackerras has the edge on both; he is somehow that bit more 'Mozartian'. The SCO is outstanding as always, responding stylishly and gracefully to Mackerras's meticulous detail.

I've been looking for some time for a modern instrument recording of these works that can stand repeated listening and I found it in these; in fact, for me, Mackerras offers the most rounded and consistently pleasing account of these great works and I would recommend them whole-heartedly.

One for us all, 21 May 2008
I have given this record full marks, but this is clearly a 6 out of 5 record. It gets 4 stars just for the content, the performance clearly merits at least 2 extra!

There is a lot of elitist bull**** surrounding classical music, but this is a record for us all. As long as you like 'music' and you have got a reasonably open mind spend the £8 and buy this CD. Listen to track 1 CD 1 3 or 4 times (it deserves that much patience!) at the end of it if you are not a convert then go and speak to the devil to buy back your soul.

You can almost reach out and touch the genius in this music, the changes of pace, the change of key...this is an artist operating beyond the ordinary.

Buy it you will never regret it.



A Mozart Must!, 12 Apr 2008
I have been searching for the definitive recording of these the most famous of all of his symphonies and I think I've found it in this offering from Linn, the performance by the Scottish chamber orchestra it has to be said is absolutely superb under Sir Charles' baton, every instrument is clearly heard individually, up until now all I've heard of these symphonies are some hissy 1960's recordings on bargain CD offerings, and a recording of an ECO / Jeffrey Tate performance from 1985 as part of a Mozart 50 cd collector's edition which I made the mistake of purchasing which I'm now going to ditch. If Mackerras can come up with the goods by recording the earlier symphonies I will gladly part with plastic to purchase these as well, Mozart will change your life. 10/10.

Enrich your life, 15 Mar 2008
I really can't add anything more to these reviews except to say that - if you are new to classical music and don't know what to listen to first - then these symphonies, crammed with sublime tunes and melodies, and beautifully played make the ideal place to start. Transform your life and listen to Mozart.

A must buy, 04 Mar 2007
I don't know much about classical music unlike the other reviewers for this CD. However, I was fortunate in that my mother bought me a record (remember them?) of Concertos no 1,3 and 5. You get

1. all 6 Brandenburg concertos beautifully played by English Chamber Orchestra. Normally albums of Bach's Brandenburg concertos only have three of the concertos. Having listened to a few of these, the quality of this CD is at least equal to those recordings in my opinion.

2. two additional concertos: the Concerto for Oboe, Violin and Strings and the Concerto for Flute and Strings. The first of these, as observed in the other reviews, is stunning.

I think this CD is fabulous to listen to and is a complete steal for the price.

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

One to own!, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's works lie in his concerti - such a wide choice makes it very hard for us to know which recordings to buy. I can safely say however that you need look no further than this, particularly in the case of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. We live in a day and age where the discussion of baroque authenticity is rife amongst performers, scholars and music appreciaters. The question of what is "correct" in baroque performance, what is authentic to the past and moreover what makes a good performance in this day and age is constantly addressed, creating lots of exciting new ideas and philosophies, but naturally no answers. Recordings such as this, however, give us the answers in no uncertain terms. No amount of talking, philosophising or re-creating of the past substitutes a truelly intuitive musical performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something truely sublime, natural and authentic spiritually. It is worth owning this CD simply to hear this remarkable duo!

Bach Concertos, 30 Jun 2002
Some of the most celebrated and widely recorded of Bach's music lies in his concerti, and naturally one wonders which recordings to buy with so much choice. I was totally struck by the performance of the concerti on this disc - I can honestly say that you need look no further, in particular for the recording of Bach's Concerto for Oboe and Violin. In a time and age where the question of baroque authenticity is rife, scholars, performers and music appreciaters have began to pose questions as to what one looks for in a performance, what is correct and incorrect and moreover, what makes a good performance. Timeless recordings like this answer these questions in no uncertain terms, and remind us that no amount of talking, philosophising and by-the-book reinventing of the past will substitute a truelly musically intuitive performance. Tess Miller and Carmel Kaine create something totally sublime - this disc is certainly one to own, even if only to hear this remarkable duo!

BUIKA-nina de fuega, 03 Jun 2008
I heard this album, whilst on holiday in Girona (Spain).
It is a must buy album. Even if you can't understand Spanish,she has a wonderful voice. It has a contemporary-jazzy sound without losing the traditional Espanic feeling. thanks for readind DaveyT.

These recordings live forever, 15 Dec 2008

These are three classic, timeless, almost historical (1963 and 1965) recordings of Elgar's works by three great champions of the composer - conductor Sir John Barbirolli, Jacqueline du Pre and Dame Janet Baker, and full credit to EMI too for preserving and continually remarketing these great recordings.

However, great as the recordings are, they are all included in the EMI Classsics 5CD set `Elgar Orchestral Works' which also has the complete Enigma Variations, Symphonies 1 and 2, and all the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, so my recommendation has to be that set rather than this single disc offering.


When Slade, Wizzard and Bing simply won't do anymore..., 23 Sep 2003
If you’re seeking a quieter, more restful and (dare I say) traditional form of Christmas Spirit than you’re getting from Slade, Wizzard and Phil Spector, then here’s something very beautiful: a collection of classical, orchestral pieces all themed around the Yuletide season.
Victor Hely-Hutchinson’s splendid Carol Symphony (the third movement of which achieved greater fame in the 1980s as the creepy-but-festive theme to the BBC series “The Box Of Delights”) appears here in one of perhaps only two recent (and available) recordings and is beautifully played/ recorded. This alone justifies Naxos’ bargain price!

But let’s not ignore the remaining tracks. Each one is a miniature gem that manages to capture something of a festive feel, whether it be the happy, cheeky crispness of Bryan Kelly’s Carol Improvisations and Philip Lane’s Wassail Dances (the modest Lane also writes the sleevenotes) or the solemn, gentle, melancholic flipside represented by a most alarmingly beautiful arrangement of Peter Warlock’s Bethlehem Down (originally for voices, here played by strings) or Patrick Standford’s jubilant Christmas Carol Symphony. Whatever it is about Christmas music that makes it “Christmassy” is represented in spades on this unassumingly priced CD. A word of warning though: it makes for odd listening any time outside of the Festive Season – exercise caution playing it in June!

If you don't already have the complete Rachmaninov concertos, you can buy this version with total confidence. There may be better recordings of the individual works (such as the legendary Michelangeli in No. 4 or Argerich in No. 3) but this remains the finest complete recording, unrivalled since it was made in the early 1970s. Only the boxy sound (in itself not bad enough to lessen the recommendation) and the tuning of the piano in the first movement of the First Concerto counts against it. Vladimir Ashkenazy is one of Rachmaninov's most sympathetic interpreters, both as pianist and latterly as conductor. He never ladles on the sugar in the way some interpreters do and the music sounds all the greater for it. Previn is a superb ally, and his relationship with the LSO was one of the most distinguished in the orchestra's history. The highlights are too numerous to number: by far the best thing is to buy it and hear it for yourself. --Harriet Smith

tell me why, 18 Nov 2008
it's a great album,can someone perhaps explain why it was put out as a 2 disc set when it would easily been fitted on one CD..williet

Even better than original?, 18 Nov 2008
If you have found this then i imagine you are already familiar with the original...this is a longtime coming then- the album opens with 3 of arguably the best, and certainly most lively in this case, tracks on the original album, Chan Chan, De Camino A la Vereda, y El Cuarto de Tula--the energy and vibrancy from the off is incredible, it sends shivers down your spine. Ibrahim Ferrer is in absolutely amazing form, as are everyone else; you can tell they are all enjoying it immensely. And the enery and rapture from the audience only adds to it. Just buy it and see.

Fantastic live recording....., 14 Oct 2008
This really is a fantastic double live album - beautiful package, and the extensive liner notes are an interesting read - a really nice supplement to the music. Even if you are familiar with the Buena Vista story, the extra info really brings home how historic the appearance of all these Cuban musicians at Carnegie Hall really was.

The recording is exuberant and really captures the atmosphere, great musicianship and spirit of the event. I can't recommend this highly enough.....if you loved the original BVSC album you will find something new to appreciate in these live performances!

GREAT VALUE - SUPER SET, 10 Dec 2008
I am realy pleased with this boxed set. The quality of the sound on most of the CD's is quite amazing.You need have no worries about buying this set and will discover much of Stravinsky's music which you might not know.
Happy listening. Dave.

Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky, 23 Aug 2008

It's common to find good value box sets from labels such as EMI Classics, Brilliant Classics and Warner Classics, but not so often on the Sony label.

In general, the bigger the set the better the value, with collections of more than ten discs often falling into the bargain category of under £1 a disc.

This collection though represents not only value for money but also provides pretty much all of Stravinsky's lifetime works (he composed around 127 pieces) in a compact box of just 5cm width thanks to the CDs being supplied in card sleeves.

The enclosed 24 booklet provides a biography of the composer, and more importantly full recording dates, venues, orchestras, soloists and conductors, and if this doesn't sound reason enough to own the set, maybe the fact that all of the recordings are conducted by Stravinsky himself should put the final seal of approval on this most comprehensive of lifetime recording achievements.

The best Stravinsky set available I think by a long, long way.


A tremendous set...., 10 Jun 2008
the master himself-why SONY/BMG dont do this with other artists is curious;
but the playing is excellent as well as the sound, for the dates of recording-and Im
exposed to pieces ive never heard, or even heard of before.
Who knew IS stuck his big toe in to the water of Jazz...?
The shoddy booklet is a real shame, but I cannot complain,
its a box set that doesnt require a fork lift to bring into the house-
and I spent EXACTLY $26.00 USD for it at TOWER Mail Order
true value for money.


Five Stars, with only a little disappointment..., 18 Jan 2008
I obviously agree with the enthusiasm shown by the preceding reviewers. Well beyond the bargain, this is a real cornerstone of the recording history. Many years have passed since the useless discussions in the Sixties about Stravinsky skills as a conductor, and with the grace of time we can honour now a neat, logical, unemphatic rendition of his masterworks.
However... (there is always a however), whilst the lack of the spoken and sung texts may be easily filled up with web services, Sony have not grabbed the opportunity of this compact re-edition of the 1991 Recorded Legacy megabox to heal an annoying flaw with respect to the original 1982 Centenary Edition in 31 LPs: the cancellation of ten works, which well depicted the artistic flavour of the Stravinsky years. One of the reviewers spoke of the discovery of a great pianist, Charles Rosen; well, many of the cancelled works gave exactly this type of information and feeling.
If someone is interested in knowing the details, the omitted works are: Pastorale for voice and piano (Tourel/Rogers); Tango for two pianos and Concerto for two pianos (Vronsky and Babin, the concerto however being substituted by a very old EMI recording by the Stravinskys); Serenade for piano (Rosen, also substituted by another old EMI recording by Stravinsky); Three Easy Pieces and Five Easy Pieces for four-hands piano (Gold and Fizdale); finally, and above all, the Pastorale for violin and wind quartet (Szigeti with Stravinsky and an unspecified wind quartet), the arrangement of The Star-spangled Banner (Stravinsky), the short Fanfare for a new Theatre (Heinrich and Nagel), and the Chanson Russe for violin and piano (Szigeti and Stravinsky).
Five stars, no doubt, also taking into account this imperfection. By the way, the Fanfare, the Star-spangled Banner, and the Chanson Russe are contained in another Sony box, the well known Original Jacket Collection - Stravinsky conducts Stravinsky (SX9K 64136).


What a magnificent collection !, 27 Oct 2007
I have always regarded Stravinsky as one of the most outstanding composers I have ever listened to but had not, until now, quite realised what a stunning variety of music he had written during his lifetime.
Sony have always been a reliable name to count on for top quality products and this box set has not failed to delight.
I only wish some of the other recording companies could produce similar high quality box sets at such bargain prices.
Congratulations to Sony and if the maestro is listening upstairs - bravo !!

CRACKING RECORDING, 23 Oct 2008
yes it didn't win a Gramophone award but surely it's a fantastic recording. crystal clear, well directed by Sir Charles Mackerras. Listening to them is pure joy. Dont know where to start? this is the recording that you can start with absolutely! 5 star!

Benchmark Mozart, 07 Sep 2008
It is the mark of a fine conductor that s/he treat Mozart and Haydn symphonies with he same reverence as, say, Beethoven or Bruckner. In his last four symphonies Mozart establishes a standard for symphonic writing that later composers, Beethoven included, were to respond to and build on. Mackerras has long been a Mozartian par excellence, although his earlier recordings of these symphonies are not, in this reviewer's opinion, of the best. These new recordings with the SCO certainly are.

Mackerras adopts a modern approach to these works that is informed by 'period instrument' performances, while still allowing the sort of spaciousness one tends to find in the performances of more 'old school' conductors - Bohm and Bernstein, for example, are both worth hearing in this repertoire, but Mackerras has the edge on both; he is somehow that bit more 'Mozartian'. The SCO is outstanding as always, responding stylishly and gracefully to Mackerras's meticulous detail.

I've been looking for some time for a modern instrument recording of these works that can stand repeated listening and I found it in these; in fact, for me, Mackerras offers the most rounded and consistently pleasing account of these great works and I would recommend them whole-heartedly.

One for us all, 21 May 2008
I have given this record full marks, but this is clearly a 6 out of 5 record. It gets 4 stars just for the content, the performance clearly merits at least 2 extra!

There is a lot of elitist bull**** surrounding classical music, but this is a record for us all. As long as you like 'music' and you have got a reasonably open mind spend the £8 and buy this CD. Listen to track 1 CD 1 3 or 4 times (it deserves that much patience!) at the end of it if you are not a convert then go and speak to the devil to buy back your soul.

You can almost reach out and touch the genius in this music, the changes of pace, the change of key...this is an artist operating beyond the ordinary.

Buy it you will never regret it.



A Mozart Must!, 12 Apr 2008
I have been searching for the definitive recording of these the most famous of all of his symphonies and I think I've found it in this offering from Linn, the performance by the Scottish chamber orchestra it has to be said is absolutely superb under Sir Charles' baton, every instrument is clearly heard individually, up until now all I've heard of these symphonies are some hissy 1960's recordings on bargain CD offerings, and a recording of an ECO / Jeffrey Tate performance from 1985 as part of a Mozart 50 cd collector's edition which I made the mistake of purchasing which I'm now going to ditch. If Mackerras can come up with the goods by recording the earlier symphonies I will gladly part with plastic to purchase these as well, Mozart will change your life. 10/10.

Enrich your life, 15 Mar 2008
I really can't add anything more to these reviews except to s