The World Of Compact Discs

Contemporary Review, Sept, 1999 by Anthony Paterson

Finally, a selection called Favourite Classics has been re-issued on the budget HELIOS label (CDH 55001) which is part of the Hyperion Group. No one would agree with any one else's selection of 'favourite classics' but the fifteen presented in this CD would include many on most listeners' lists.

Some are quite predictable, such as Handel's 'Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' and the Bach/Gounod 'Ave Maria.' here played with an engaging oboe solo, or Elgar's marvellously evocative 'Salut d' Amour.' Yet other choices are surprising, though welcome, such as Borodin's 'Nocturne' or Faure's 'Nocturne from 'Shylock' Suite.' All the works are played by the London Festival Orchestra under Ross Pople. Unlike many other collections of bonbons, this Helios one comes with good notes about each piece. The collection is like a rich box of chocolates. Few would want to gobble the whole selection at one sitting, but as a CD to lift the spirits with a few of one's own selections, it would be hard to beat.