The CBS Great Performances Series has been partially discontinued, or had the recordings rolled into the Sony 'Essential Classics' series. However, many, of these compilations were issued on CD and many are now available as MP3s. The average cost is under $10, and every recording is from very good to excellent. All of the 100 volumes are shown, and some of the out of print issues are still available used or in the MP3 format.
The links go to the original edition, alternate links forward to newer or in-print editions, and MP3 albums go to the downloadable version of the album, either in original form or the newer releases. Some of the later volumes had some peculiar pairings that were never duplicated in CD form, so there may be several alternate links to find all of the works.
Sony issued a similar series, 'Essential Classics', in the 90's, You can visit the listing page here.
Bryce Bachman was kind enough to provide me with scans of all of the original cover art. While some LP artwork is available thru Amazon, some of the covers are next to impossible to locate, so they are posted here for those looking for artwork for their collection. Thanks also to Jason B. for the Brahms artwork.
Essential Great Performances Recordings
Bruno Walter and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra perform a program of Mozart works, including A Little Night Music and various overtures. This is without a doubt the best version of Night Music ever, and the additional tracks are wonderful also. The recording is warm, the performance is sultry but not too romantic, and this CD has been a favorite of mine for over 20 years, and I am still not tired of it. Looks to be going out of print, but it is also available as an MP3 Album Download. An indespensible recording.
Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra bring out the best in Richard Strauss, and this CD is one of the best out there. An older analog recording, but more than adequate sound, and the music is glorious. This is also a great buy at the moment as an MP3 album, for the price of 3 tracks, currently $2.97, so easily a recommended download, although the CD version is really the way to go.
