1. Dvorak Symphony no 9. It is like discovering it for the first time, not just my choice: American Record Guide said:
ÂThe great historical recording of this work [Dvořák] is TalichÂs from the early 50s. This is as good a performance, and the sound [ ] is far superior to the Talich. It has a lightness and clarity that is amazing for its age [This disc] is worth buying for both the Dvořák and the Novák.Â
ÂCarl Bauman, American Record Guide , July/August 2010 OCCDs CD1/2008
2. Campoli/Katin The greatest English violinist of all time and an underrated pianist. My choice and that of 'Fanfare', as quoted here:
 IÂve never heard [CampoliÂs] fabled tone (nor perhaps anyone elseÂs) in such vivid fidelity; a similar lushness characterizes the pianoÂs tone as well even if the performance didnÂt flow so smoothly as it does, the recorded sound would magnify all the readingÂs virtues in ratio in which many recordings diminish them.Â
ÂAt moments, CampoliÂs sound could freeze a windsock in a hurricane these live performances sound communicative as well as brilliant This issue deserves to be a part of most collections Very strongly recommended.Â
ÂRobert Maxham, Fanfare 33:4, March/April 2010 OCCDs CD3/2009
3. Brahms Symphony no 1 coupled with the Kodaly Dances of Galanta, the Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Janos Ferencsik, OCCDs CD5/2009 my thoughts were echoed by Audiophile Audition
 a thoroughly sympathetic reading from Ferencsik The huge orchestral tuttis impress us with their singing intensity Tumultuous applause [from] a slightly hysterical mob of Londoners who thought this concert a smashing success. [Rating ★★★★]
ÂGary Lemco, Audiophile Audition, 4th November 2009
4. This Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony was awarded the prestigious 'Best Historic Recording' by the German Record Critics Association when the jury stated that 'the sound technique is sensational'. The Warsaw Philharmonic conducted by the brilliant Witold Rowicki. From OCCDs, CD12/2011.
5. Shostakovich 10th The dynamics and orchestral balance are the finest that exist. Sends a cold chill up my spine. The Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vaclav Smetacek. Can your system cope, is it good enough?? OCCDs CD14/2011
You will notice that all the CDs of my choice are from the same source, Orchestral Concert Cds, in fact no matter what other recordings I hear I always return to the 'Virtual Concert Hall Series' and each time I hear the music once more it is fresh and I marvel at the natural sound with its wide dynamics and perfect balance.
Geoffrey
ÂThe great historical recording of this work [Dvořák] is TalichÂs from the early 50s. This is as good a performance, and the sound [ ] is far superior to the Talich. It has a lightness and clarity that is amazing for its age [This disc] is worth buying for both the Dvořák and the Novák.Â
ÂCarl Bauman, American Record Guide , July/August 2010 OCCDs CD1/2008
2. Campoli/Katin The greatest English violinist of all time and an underrated pianist. My choice and that of 'Fanfare', as quoted here:
 IÂve never heard [CampoliÂs] fabled tone (nor perhaps anyone elseÂs) in such vivid fidelity; a similar lushness characterizes the pianoÂs tone as well even if the performance didnÂt flow so smoothly as it does, the recorded sound would magnify all the readingÂs virtues in ratio in which many recordings diminish them.Â
ÂAt moments, CampoliÂs sound could freeze a windsock in a hurricane these live performances sound communicative as well as brilliant This issue deserves to be a part of most collections Very strongly recommended.Â
ÂRobert Maxham, Fanfare 33:4, March/April 2010 OCCDs CD3/2009
3. Brahms Symphony no 1 coupled with the Kodaly Dances of Galanta, the Hungarian State Symphony Orchestra conducted by Janos Ferencsik, OCCDs CD5/2009 my thoughts were echoed by Audiophile Audition
 a thoroughly sympathetic reading from Ferencsik The huge orchestral tuttis impress us with their singing intensity Tumultuous applause [from] a slightly hysterical mob of Londoners who thought this concert a smashing success. [Rating ★★★★]
ÂGary Lemco, Audiophile Audition, 4th November 2009
4. This Tchaikovsky 5th Symphony was awarded the prestigious 'Best Historic Recording' by the German Record Critics Association when the jury stated that 'the sound technique is sensational'. The Warsaw Philharmonic conducted by the brilliant Witold Rowicki. From OCCDs, CD12/2011.
5. Shostakovich 10th The dynamics and orchestral balance are the finest that exist. Sends a cold chill up my spine. The Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vaclav Smetacek. Can your system cope, is it good enough?? OCCDs CD14/2011
You will notice that all the CDs of my choice are from the same source, Orchestral Concert Cds, in fact no matter what other recordings I hear I always return to the 'Virtual Concert Hall Series' and each time I hear the music once more it is fresh and I marvel at the natural sound with its wide dynamics and perfect balance.
Geoffrey