Reviewed by Dave Massey

The overture by its very nature is instantly accessible and makes for great easy listening. Designed to give a taste of the Opera or Ballet to come, the overture is a tapestry of sounds and melodies taken from the content of what follows. On this recording perhaps the most well known track is the "Die Fledermaus Overture" by Strauss and played with all the necessary flare by the Minnesota Orchestra. It is nice to have Wagner's "Flying Dutchman Overture" included although my own enjoyment of his works has always been tainted by the knowledge that he was a favourite of Hitler. Bugs Bunny somewhat redressed the balance with that brilliant cartoon version of "The Ring Cycle"!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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