I do not usually recommend the large classical box sets because they are expensive and not always a good buy. However the new 111 Box by Deutsche Grammophon is a fantastic buy. The set is a 55-CD Box of full albums from DG's first 111 years. The set is a wonderful buy at less than $3 per disc. Yes, a bit expensive, but this is an excellent way to get a lot of great recordings for a bargain price. DG has set up a special site at dg-11.com with all of the information on the albums, and Amazon has a nice page where you can see and listen to samples from the MP3 version. Do check out the dg-111.com site, where you can listen to a full album from the collection every week.
If a 55 disc set is too daunting, there is a 6 disc set with one track from each of the albums in the 111 set, plus other tracks for a great price too.

I sometimes come across some good finds while exploring for new works to try out. There is a free Creative Commons MP3 version of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice from 1951 with the Berlin Municipal Opera conducted by Artur Rother. I did find reference to an excerpts LP on DG [pictured below] from the period, and this is may be a studio or live performance, released in the US on the Urania label in 1952, but I cannot say for certain this was a DG release or not. Regardless, the cast includes Margatete Klose as Orfeo [female lead replacing castrato], Erna Berger as Euridice and Rita Streich as Amor. The recording is mono of course, but the performance is quite enjoyable and the sound quality acceptable, and it is a good way to be introduced to Gluck's operas.

Now the good part: You can get this recording for free. It has been released online in several locations, but the easiest place is here at Liber.it The page is in Italian, but no problem, scroll to the bottom and you will see the 24 tracks to download. Make sure you right-click to save the files since your browser may try to just play the MP3s. You may want a libretto or at least a synopsis, so check out the links below.

Librettos [under Gluck; ORFEO]
Synopsis at reference.com
MP3 download from Liber.it

Artwork for the Excerpts LP and a recent CD release:

The site now has a complete image gallery of all of the CBS Great Performances albums if you are searching for any, courtesy of Bryce B.

Sometimes, it is easy to miss the works of a famous composer. While I have some selections of Thomas Tallis' choral works on various compilations, I never delved too deep into some of his works. Big mistake, talk about some beautiful music. I have been listening to several Tallis CDs, one by the Tallis Scholars and one by Magnificat. Besides wonderful performances, the sound is excellent and I cannot recommend these albums enough for anyone wanting to explore early choral music. Tallis' works are reminiscent of the Gregorian Chants you have probably heard before, but with a higher range in the vocals, and many of his texts are in English as well as Latin. Take a listen and enjoy :) You can listen to these 2 CDs for free at Napster, just follow the links.

The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis @ Napster
Tallis Spem in Alium by Magnificat @ Napster


Tallis Scholars @ Amazon.com


Magnificat @ Amazon.com

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