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Outstanding Overtures

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 08/15/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rossini's Overtures are some of the most exuberant in all classical music, and the "William Tell" Overture, because of the Lone Ranger association, is probably one of the world's most recognizable tunes. This CD collects nine overtures performed by a variety of orchestras all for one low price. It is a fantastic value, no question. My reservation for not awarding a fifth star comes from the fact that the material is under the conduction of so many different people. I don't mind a couple of conductors and symphonies on a single release, but here it's like a "greatest hits" album as each overture is played by a different orchestra. While the sound and feel of the CD is generally consistent, there are subtle differences of style that bother me. I would unequivocally recommend Fritz Reiner's recordings as an alternate choice, however the drawback with that album is instead of nine overtures you only get six. With either choice, you're getting great music."