Reviewed by Dave Massey

It is interesting to note that on the whole Word have resisted the temptation to include recordings by orchestras using period instruments, and argument is still raging about whether it is kosher to do so or whether it is pointless trying to recapture a past sound that can only be guessed at. Whatever, there are the usual goodies here - many duplicated on the Family Classics collection, from Handel's "Messiah" and "Water Music" to Bach's "Air On A G String" and "Toccata And Fugue In D Minor]'. I was indifferent to most of the offerings on the compilation up to the "Allegro Assai" from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No 2, played here by the Bamberg Philharmonic which was, incidentally, on period instruments and probably says more about my preferences than the quality of the recordings. Still, despite best attempts at impartiality I can't work up any enthusiasm for this compilation.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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