Overtures [Import]

I can't tell you how happy I was when I was surprised upon first listening... Not only is this music the type of music that is inherent to people from its use in background music to cartoons, TV, movies, etc... but it is so very enjoyable because it exhudes an amazing, unadulterated amount of PURE JOY and EXCITEMENT... with no attempt at being high-brow, or overly serious music.

The good news is that even though this music might be considered to be more "common" among classical elitists, Paul Paray treated it as he would any great art. This recording gives you such beautifully refined sound, such truly INCREDIBLE energy and exhuberence, all with stunning precision and control- that you will be sold upon first hearing.

As other reviews mention- there is no need to look at other recordings of these works, because you will mosy likely get a cheap "pops" orchestra recording that treats the music cheaply beacause of its unabashed "happiness" and accesibility. The result is fun, but trite and gets old fast. With this Paray, the energy seems to remain fresh every time you play it. You can't go wrong with this orchestral uplifter to cleanse your palate between your serious Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Mahler symphonies.

So, elitsts... forget your pride and buy these CDs. Fun is not a crime. And, beginners, this is a GREAT way to find how truly fun and emotive classical music can be. Enjoy it.

One of the endearing qualities of Paul Paray as an artist was that he felt there were quite a few things other than masterpieces that audiences would love and hold close to their hearts. He felt it about Auber and Suppe, and he gives his genius to every one of these delightful works. The results are historic and spectacular.

I also don't know where more refined performances are: no catalog listings now or in old Schwann give any indication what or where they were/are. I'm pretty confident that with all the uninspired drivel leaked on these works (Solti is an example) no treasure is lurking out or under there.

I would suggest that if you still keep vinyl, a giddy old London issue with that delightful old man Albert Wolff and the Conservatoire Orchestra is well worth ferreting out and enjoying in a fine Suppe selection. Sound and orchestral playing are not the long suit here . . . but then again, Wolff, the self-effacing old devil, would always defer to the genius of others. In doing so, he developed his own. But it's not up the stairs as far as the top landing where Paray has his chair.

Do replace your aging vinyl or bad cassette issues of these Auber and Suppe delights courtesy of the great Paray.