Customer Reviews

Rossini: Overtures

5 star:		(0)
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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This really isn't a bad CD of Rossini overtures, but neither is it a great one. The Plovdiv Philharmonic under Rouslan Raychev give a straightforward performance of these enjoyable works that is nicely paced but fairly conservative. For the most part, the orchestra handles everything nicely if not spectacularly and in a few places they seem to stumble a bit, although always recovering - much as happens in a live performance by a good regional orchestra. The quality of the sound is good early digital and reasonably bright.

William Tell is not included on this disc, but perhaps that overture does not have the same attraction for eastern Europeans as it does for North Americans who grew up with the Lone Ranger. Instead of William Tell, there are two lesser heard overtures - Tancredi and The Siege of Corinth which do not appear on some of the better know discs distributed by some of the major record labels. And lovely overtures those are.

This was one of the first CD's I bought. While I don't play it very much any more and favor the Marriner recording instead, I will still play it and enjoy on occasion, especially for Corinth and Tancredi to provide some variety. And at the cost these can be obtained for, it makes cheap and enjoyable, if not distinguished entertainment.

No collection of Rossini Overtures is complete without the William Tell, therefore, this set is highly flawed immediately. To be fair, the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra is not the worst to appear under the DELTA/LASERLIGHT banner, but they're not all that inspiring, either.

Two stars ONLY because it's Rossini. Not for the discerning listener.