One of the very best pianists to have come out of Spain... Unlike many names who have offered themselves in this nationalist repertoire, she has an impeccably clean technique, considerable strength verve and temperament, but a level enough head to keep her from exaggerating effects to win applause, plus a delicate poetic sense without sentimentalising." "Granados founded the�Barcelona conservatory which now bears the name of his most dedicated�pupil, Frank�Marshall, who in turn, passed on to�a new generation - principal among them Alicia de Larrocha" (Gramophone) [PRODUCER NOTE]: "source material here was of very high quality. Pitch correction and stabilization and repairs to dropouts and bad splices that afflicted previous releases allow these landmark recordings to be heard as never before

Measham proves a splendid advocate of the Symphony, securing a passionately committed performance... The Essays for Orchestra are also very well played, as is the hauntingly evocative movement Night Flight � Penguin Guide 3 stars

These are not only renowned organs with splendid sound, but here as recorded by renowned sound engineers with great experience and success in organ recordings

it is now over half a century since Nikolaus Harnoncourt founded his Vienna Concentus Musicus. Their polished ensemble, musical finesse and their tonal sonorities have been achieved by a sound technical ability on the part of each and every individual, and by that homogeneity of outlook which exists only when musicians play together regularly. His band, has been a stimulus and an inspiration to almost all present-day practitioners of 'period' instruments. [Gramophone] (12pp book enclosed: Full notes printable online www. Altocd. com/(search):3145). This 11 CD set Covers Harnoncourt's pioneering recordings with his ensemble from mainly the 1960s.

David Oistrakh captured the hearts of listeners with his impeccable technique, rich tone and emotional power. Born in Odessa, he graduated from Conservatory aged 18 and a year later performed his debut with the Glazunov concerto under the composer's baton. Successful debuts in Leningrad and Moscow followed. His New York debut was 1955 and his entire career was full of searingly memorable performances with major worldwide orchestras and accompanists.

the Piano Quintet does full justice to the densely packed chords and widely spaced spread of sound which Weinberg avowedly learnt from his mentor Shostakovich. It is engaging, expertly written and played with great address by the composer himself... To survive so much terror and retain such creative energy compels admiration. The Quintet may seem more rewarding for the surprising range of invention (eg. Wild Irish fiddle). The performance is admirable. ... Shostakovich declared how impressed he was with the Violin Concerto 'splendidly interpreted by the violinist-Communist L. Kogan' (a tart reference to Kogan's politics. ) This must be an authoritative performance... Kogan deals magnificently with a violin part that is seldom silent... Not surprisingly, Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes carries suggestions of the Enescu of the Romanian Rhapsodies. It receives a splendidly vigorous performance by Oistrakh (Gramophone)

this first important black female composer has become celebrated recently as we discover her works. This includes her best Symphony and major Suite (Alto)... *"history bears down on the opening of the Third Symphony... big moments where Price clearly feels the burden of the African American experience but allows it to fuel her soul. It's easy to forget that she's a contemporary of George Gershwin. In fact, (he) attended the premiere of Price's Symphony No.1. So how do we tell this story, recognising on the one hand... she's been neglected in this historiography, but... also she's very much a part of the American symphonic scene?" (*Gramophone)

you can't go wrong with Oistrakh's pre-authenticity Mozart. True, this is big-boned, dyed in the wool Mozart, 1960's style. Tempi are relaxed, textures quite heavy and the ethos masculine and robust... subtle shadings are there - but the prevailing spirit is strong-limbed engagement. K216 was always one of his best pieces of Mozart playing... he also contributes his own, rather good, cadenzas... second movement characteristically expressive and full of the artist's noble warmth, and a spirit of romance enlivens the finale. Sinfonia Concertante opens at a real maestoso-qualified Allegro. Directed from the viola by Barshai... once again, there's real affection in the Andante and the finale is nicely buoyant (MusicWeb)

Abravanel is very good in this music - crackling with energy tempered with tender ways with the great melodies. Antar is a neglected prize among Rimsky's works ranking with Sheherazade... Caucasian Sketches have These You Have Loved status with Procession of the Sardar establishing the idiom for a thousand Hollywood triumphal and barbarous marches... The Gli�re is a fun piece that stamps emphatically and clearly influenced by Mussorgsky's Pictures from an Exhibition. As an inexpensive single disc collection of less obvious Russian repertoire this is difficult to top. I recommend it strongly. (Rob Barnett / MusicWeb International)

'A passionately committed performance... outstanding recommendation' [BBC Radio]; 'I enjoyed the whole sweep of his conception, his commanding pianism and complete sympathy with the music... I enjoyed both performances enormously... The recording has an overall sound that is full and rich' [Gramophone] 'this is the best recording of the Paganini Rhapsody I've ever heard'.�[Fanfare, USA]

[Myslivecek] "She is a charming, persuasive advocate... The ECO, too, offer fine support and with a range of tone colours, match de la Vega's recreative imagination. Pentatone has captured these performances in particularly clear sound... de la Vega offers the first recording of a Concerto in D by Myslivecek, one that displays the utmost craftsmanship and appeal... her fine performance renders it memorable" (Gramophone). [Richter etc] "authentic instrument ensemble The New Dutch Academy has an international reputation, formed of well-established early music specialists... string symphonies by the 18th Century 'Mannheim school' composers... Vibrant, energetic and wonderfully secure playing is supported by a sumptuous recording... yet there is no loss of detail in the fast music" (Gramophone)

Iconic recordings of core Classical Repertoire Arthur Grumiaux (violin), Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Bernard Haitink, Eduard van Beinum, Riccardo Castagnone (piano) - [Brahms] "recordings are excellent, Grumiaux's playing and interpretation equal any I have ever heard... balance between soloist and orchestra is natural, no praise is too high for interpretation - a most lyrical performance, full of beauty" - " [Mendelssohn] "these performances are among the best and Grumiaux's playing has his usual purity of style and instinctive musicianship to commend it." - [Corelli] : "a glorious tone, and he infuses Corelli's beautiful slow movements with warm lyricism... difficult to resist such beauty" (all: Gramophone)

Bestselling Holiday Tracks from the early LP Era, together for the first time at a value price

Some of Tchaikovsky's most famous works came from his ballets. This recording features performances of his most popular ballet works including Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty by the brilliant Evegeni Svetlanov conducting the USSR State Symphony Orchestra.

Fritz Kreisler and Erich Wolfgang Korngold both shared the same Viennese musical roots, and both fled to the United States to escape Nazi persecution. Even though they moved countries, they maintained their musical roots. Originally on KOCH and featuring the Angeles String Quartet, this recording of string quartets from these two composers showcases their melodic writing and their Viennese musical heritage.