An unusual staging of Haydn’s rarely performed opera receives strong vocal performances. There is some shrillness in the surround version soundtrack that is not noted in the two-channel option.

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This 1977 release features a great conductor, Zubin Mehta, leading a great orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, that he had made his own by the time of this filming. The concert features some staples of the orchestral repertory that receive topnotch performances. Audio and video properties are not at today’s level but still decent enough to provide enjoyment.

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EuroArts gives us a rare glimpse of Hans Pfitzner’s masterpiece, Palestrina, with a no-holds barred production from the Bayerische Staatsoper. The huge cast and orchestra deliver as good a performance as we are likely to see of this large and often uneven opera that should set the standard for some time to come.

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The 2011 New Year’s Gala from the Berliner Philharmoniker features pieces based on dance and fantasy. Sir Simon Rattle with superb soloist Evgeny Kissin deliver musical masterpieces.

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This recital is an opportunity to see the possible next superstar in the piano galaxy. Nobuyuki Tsujii, an exceptional artist, tackles some of the biggest works in the literature and comes up a winner. Except for some video issues, this is a worthy release that should be seen by lovers of the piano repertoire.

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Twelve cellists from the Berliner Philharmoniker celebrate the group’s 40th anniversary with a stellar and varied concert program, ably abetted by soprano Annette Dasch and trumpeter Till Bronner. Sonics and visuals are stunning and a documentary on the group’s history adds further interest to a superb release from EuroArts

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EuroArts delivers an historically significant performance featuring the return of legendary conductor Sergiu Celibidache to his former orchestra. What follows is a mesmerizing Bruckner Symphony No. 7, limited only by 20-year old video and sound quality.

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An updated production from the Bayerische Staatsoper, this Idomeneo triumphs with excellent singing and music direction under Kent Nagano.

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The final eight Mozart piano concertos receive virtuosic rendition by legendary pianist/conductor Daniel Barenboim and the Berliner Philharmoniker. These late 1980′s films may not be the last word in high definition picture or high resolution sound but the performance quality trumps any technical reservations.

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Fellini, Jazz & Co. is a delightful hour and a half of varied musical fare from Shostakovich to Rota. The atmosphere of an outdoor concert is well captured by video and audio engineers.

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