Gioachino Rossini: Complete Overtures

I have been listening to "serious music" for about 50 years and I'll admit that I haven't heard much of Rossini's work beyond the most famous overtures. I have to say that this music is simply delightful, made to be enjoyed. I had no idea that GR had written so many overtures, nor did I realize how heavily he borrowed from himself: some of the themes turn up in at least five different works. Never mind, though; I haven't got tired of hearing them and the change of context makes them more fun. And these pieces are truly fun: Listen to "The Siege of Corinth," for example; so much going on. You really can't listen to it only once.The performances on these discs are wonderful, emphasizing theatricality and drama, and the sound is, I think, perfect for Rossini: clear, bright, and bombastic where needed. At $5.00 a disc this set is a great bargain. What a deal!

What I love most about this set is that the music is unmannered, which is to say that it benefits from a very capable and conscientious conductor and a great-sounding orchestra, without the rushing (and blurring) of the phrasing and the idiosyncratic or exagerrated performances often produced by a famous, egotistical or self-important conductor. This set serves Rossini’s MUSIC, not the whims and whimsies of the conductor trying to stain the music with his “personal touch.” Even in the rapid sequences, the music, notes and phrasing are clear and well-defined. Wonderful set.

Great collection of Rossini's work played magnificently!

Why I haven't discovered Rossini before, except for his William Tell Overture, is inexcusable. I think because it wasn't conducted by Christian Benda and the Prague Sinfonia Orchestra who's recording of Rossini's Overtures just blew my mind with their amazing performance and a special shout out for the amazing recording with it's crystal clean sound and just the right amount of bass - simply amazing. You gotta hear it to believe it. It's too bad Benda and this orchestra didn't record more albums of more popular composers. I probably would have bought them all. I am now a lifelong fan of Rossini's music and conductor Christian Benda and the Prague Sinfonia Orchestra.

Not exactly serious music but wonderful "picker-upper" stuff. Includes some lesser known overtures. It is obvious the difference between the popular pieces and the lesser known items.

Excellent box set.

Ah, an album of all the Rossini overtures! So beautifully performed!

I'm very happy with this purchase.

A marvelous set of all the overtures! They're very well recorded with air around the orchestra but also sounding like they're in an orchestra pit. Very believable bass drum.The performances are very well played, and judged. Lively performances.

Rossini said his aim in life was to bring happiness and make people smile.This delicious, very well played box set of all the overtures more than confirms that he truimphantly succeeded.In these depressing times what a wonderful tonic these discs are.The playing is effervescent. clean and joyous.Bravo and thank you.Robert J. Parry,

This was a Christmas present for my husband, which was much appreciated. He commented on the great clear sound of this recording.

Excellent.

Eine stets unterhaltsame,sprühende und melodische Musik - Feuerwerke der " Guten Laune"!Der typische Aufbau dieser Ouvertüren - langsame Einleitung,Orchestercrescendo,schneller Galopp - ist immer wieder von größter Wirkung und jedesmal bezaubernd.Die Aufnahmen sind klanglich fantastisch und präsent,der Komponist hätte sich über diese CD gefreut!