Beethoven: Eroica - The day that changed music forever

Ian Hart (Ludwig van Beethoven); Tim Piggott-Smith (Count Dietrichstein); Claire Skinner (Josephine Deym); Jack Davenport (Prince Lobkowitz); Frank Finlay (Joseph Haydn); Fenella Woolgar (Princess Marie Lobkowitz);

"You could not hope for a stronger cast." (The Times)

British Classics - Elgar: Enigma Variations & Holst: The Planets (BBC Worldwide)

"Sir Andrew Davis's fine performance of the Enigma Variations, with Nimrod hushed, slow and steady, was recorded in the atmospheric surroundings of Worcester Cathedral, where Elgar said everyone should hear his music. Davis introduces a highly enjoyable documentary about the work and 'the friends pictured within'. In the documentary he suggests that each variation, as well as reflecting the character of a particular friend, reveals much about Elgar himself, 'like an actor playing many roles'." (The Penguin Guide - Elgar)

Cecilia Bartoli Sings Haydn

Cecilia Bartoli (Mezzo);

"... her interpretation [is] fervent, committed, but intensely natural...some melting mezza voce...production values are superb, with excellent surround sound and Brian Large’s atmospheric visuals...once again, even the booklet notes are good." (Gramophone)

Cecilia Bartoli sings Mozart & Haydn

Cecilia Bartoli (Mezzo);

"Superb - a masterclass in the vocal arts, how to conduct Mozart and how to direct a film of the occasion...director Brian Large captures a great singer at the height of her powers guided by the inspirational Harnoncourt. Bartoli sings five arias in her inimitable way followed by Harnoncourt's illuminating performance of the 'Prague' Symphony. Add to this two neat features on how the concert was recorded and prepared, plus a superb booklet by Misha Donat, and you have a very classy package indeed." (Classic FM)

Celibidache conducts Berlioz Symphony Fantastique

"His intense, finely balanced and deeply felt interpretations made him one of the greatest names intwentieth century orchestral conducting. Above all, hewas a superb technician." (All Music Guide)

Celibidache conducts Bruckner Symphony No. 9

"Sergiu Celibidache's Bruckner is often monumental.It is also revelatory in a way no other Bruckner conductorequals. Celibidache conducts these great symphonies as if he were King Lear himself, for in every bar of Bruckner's scores he scales heights of pathos and emotion most other conductors simply do not see in Bruckner's writing." (Musicweb International)