Rossini: 14 Overtures
Rossini's Overtures are absolute jewels of the Classical period. He used  them as his musical "calling cards," and with the exception ofWilliam  Tell,there's absolutely no relationship between the overture and opera it  introduces. The famousBarber of Sevilleoverture, for example, was used  previously for two tragic operas, including one calledElizabeth, Queen of  England! All they were supposed to do was entertain the audience and let  them know that the real business was about to begin. And that's just what  they've been doing ever since. This comprehensive collection, at two discs for  the price of one, will keep you in Rossini for a good, long time.--David  Hurwitz