Reissues

Kusser Six French Overtures Christophorus CHR 77429 (1983) 77:57 mins

A German contemporary of Bach, Kusser pays handsome tribute to Lully in these elegant and harmonically individual sets of dances. Stylish period instrument performances from Peter Zajieck and Musica Aeterna Bratislava. ★★★★

Rameau Orchestral Suites Glossa GCD 921125 (1986-2000) 265:22 mins (4 discs)

Frans Brüggen and the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century revel in Rameau’s dazzling quirkiness and inexhaustible range of instrumental colour. Four hours of sheer delight. ★★★★★ Ansermet in Russia Musorgsky, Prokofiev et al Eloquence 482 5003 (1952-54) 56:59 mins

Despite some variable orchestral playing, Ernest Ansermet’s empathy for Russian music shines through these rhythmically dynamic accounts of Pictures at an Exhibition and A Night on a Bare Mountain. ★★★ Ernest Ansermet and the Ballet Russes Eloquence 482 4989 (1958-66)

158:40 mins (2 CDS)

Ernest Ansermet was one of the main conductors of the Ballets Russes. His peerless interpretations of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé and Debussy’s Jeux are captured in surprisingly vivid stereo sound. ★★★★★