While reading the March issue of Classic CD, I came across a review that
I just have to share with you.

The review concerned a disc of early Schubert string quartets played by the
Kodaly Quartet on Naxos.  The capsule summary was - "Agreeable investment
for those not wishing to pay full price for early Schubert."

This summary tells me that neither the music nor the performances are very
good.  It's a recommendation you could take to the bank if you wanted to be
turned down for a loan.

The recurring problem I encounter with reviews of budget discs is
that positive recommendations are often based on "price." My feeling is
that budget recordings should be compared to the best discs available,
regardless of price.  There are many Naxos discs that compare favorably
with excellent full-priced releases - those are the ones to hunt down.

One of those excellent Naxos discs is a recent release of Gerald Finzi
clarinet works including his clarinet concerto.  The music is serene
and delightful; the performances and recorded sound are up to the best
available.  This is an excellent purchase at any price.

My 26 year old son, a PHD candidate in Chemistry at Santa Barbara,
California, has suddenly taken an interest in classical music.  He calls me
every few weeks asking for recommendations of low priced discs(all he can
afford at this time).  We discuss Naxos, Arte Nova, Discover, EMI Red-Line,
Sony Essential Classics, etc.  I wouldn't say that we are closer because of
this; we always have been close.  But, it is nice to have someone "close"
to you who shares your interests.

Sorry to have veered so much from the orignal theme.  As I kept typing,
I realized that the original theme didn't have much to it.

Don Satz
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