Various: "Treasures of Russia

In this glorious six (6) disc set called "Treasures of Russian Chamber Music" we have some very fine recordings by the Amsterdam Chamber Music Society of chamber music that was completely unfamiliar to me. The recording contains very late romantic works by Arensky, Taneyev, Catoire and Shostakovich. Although the aforesaid composers are considered to be luminaries of the Russian school of composition, only Shostakovich is a "household name" in musical circles. Catoire, if anything is unknown. In fact, I just "discovered" Catoire's music very recently on another recording. As before, I really enjoyed his compositions in this recording, a Piano quartet and a one movement violin sonata "Poem"--they are both so lush and warm with, to me, a "French touch". In fact, although all of the works in this compilation are wonderful, I enjoyed Catoire's works the most; his music was so very accessible musically to me.

The participants, The Amsterdam Chamber Music Society, are new to me also; however, they play all of the works in this Brilliant Classics recording with deep feelings and they play them very brilliantly. Their playing in this recording was very impressive. They are really so very good. I really loved this recording I DO have an immense love of Romantic chamber music and this set helped to satisfy my insatiable appetite for same. (If I do have a complaint about this compilation it is regarding the length of the discs--they are each under an hour in length--just a very minor quibble. The qualities of the music and performance plus the recorded sound MORE than compensate)

If you love late Russian chamber music, as I do, buy this impressive compilation. By the way, each of the six (6) discs is housed in its own sleeve with a nice reproduction of a Russian painting--beautiful

The music performed in this set of six CD's is gloriously beautiful. A total of 306:04 minutes are to be enjoyed tremendously. Although I am acquainted with Shostakovich, I had not heard of the other composters until now, including French composer Georgy Catoire. The box and CD covers are a delight to the eyes, and the wodnerful performances by the musicians are a delight to the ears. Altogether, a huge bargain.