"One of the recurring pleasures of the introduction of the Compact Disc is the unexpected appearance of rare repertoire—here for instance some virtually unknown music of Tchaikovsky—when not all the symphonies are yet available in that format. I praised the original LP set from all points of view—enterprise, first-rate performances (Geoffrey Simon is a splendid Tchaikovskian) and superb recording. The LPs (and tapes) were so good that one could not expect the CDs to be so much better. Yet they are very impressive...
It is the Hamlet incidental music that resonates in the memory most strongly—there is some really lovely music here—especially the two entr'actes for strings, which show the composer at his most inspired and they are beautifully played. The recording gives the most natural and delicate effect, enhanced by the background silence, while the wide dynamic range is most effective in the more histrionic passages included here.
This is a set not to be missed by any dedicated Tchaikovsky-lover..."

From the GRAMOPHONE review of the original CD release (Chandos 8310/1)