Paavo Berglund – The Warner Edition
This expansive box set comprises 42 CDs of recordings made by Paavo Berglund for EMI and Finlandia labels between 1970 and 1997.
The centerpiece of this collection is the complete Sibelius Symphonies, presented in three different versions with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Berglund’s interpretations offer a range of perspectives on these iconic works.
Other notable recordings include Brahms’ Double Concerto featuring the legendary duo of Menuhin and Tortelier, piano concerto performances with Berglund’s frequent collaborator John Ogdon, and insightful renditions of symphonies by Vaughan Williams.
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Louis Lane Conducts the Cleveland Orchestra
Louis Lane began working with George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra in the late 1940s. Under the famed conductor’s tutelage, Lane rose to become Resident Conductor in the early 1970s. This 14-CD box set features recordings made for Columbia between 1959 and 1972, showcasing Lane leading the Cleveland players in a variety of works. Some recordings feature smaller ensembles like the “Cleveland Pops” and “Cleveland Sinfonietta.”
American music by Copland, Gershwin, Bernstein, and others takes center stage in this collection. However, the set also includes works by Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Schubert, all rendered with the recognizable “Cleveland sound” of this era, which remains a delight to listen to.
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Rudolf Firkušný Edition
Rudolf Firkušný was particularly associated with Czech composers, especially Janáček, whom he met as a student and championed throughout his career. This 12-CD box set features Firkušný’s definitive recordings of all of Janáček’s piano works. However, the collection offers much more to explore.
The mid-1970s recording of Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Uri Segal exemplifies “old school” Beethoven playing: grand without being ostentatious. Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition is another highlight, showcasing Firkušný’s remarkable ability to paint vivid sonic pictures with his playing. Other solo works include Schubert’s final Piano Sonata, D. 960 (previously unreleased), and a selection of Beethoven’s famous piano sonatas. The set is further enriched by charming performances of violin sonatas by Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms with violinist Erica Morini.
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Bartók – Complete Piano Music – Andreas Bach
This 9-CD box set of Bartók’s complete piano music can serve as a valuable alternative (or addition) to the famed set by Zoltán Kocsis. This one boast a newer recording and a somewhat freer, more splashy approach to Bartók’s fascinating piano writing.
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