CLASSICAL REVIEW

Decca Sound The Piano Edition Decca (55 CDs), out now €104, amazon. co.uk HHHHH

This is an outstanding bargain. To get 55 CDs from more than half a century of Decca recordings, most of them artistically excellent, for €104 makes this a self recommending issue.

Decca have always had a wonderful roster of pianists. What you get here are great names like Clifford Curzon and Vladimir Ashkenazy, pianists of historical significance such as Dinu Lipatti and Clara Haskil, as well as players who are perhaps now forgotten, but shouldn’t be, like Moura Lympany.

Pianophiles will get a lifetime of listening pleasure from this set; there’s just so much for the connoisseur to enjoy. Beginners who want to know more about great piano recordings can be safely advised to start here.