Search - Erich Kunz, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pietro Mascagni :: Karajan 100th - Volume 2, Opera and Vocals

Priceless... at a very low price

Charles A. Miller | Baltimore, Maryland U.S.A. | 05/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most people considering this set are probably already familiar with Karajan's work and probably already own quite a few of his EMI recordings. Therefore, there really is no need for me to get into depth with regards to the quality of the Karajan's work or the recordings. It is at a bare minimum, satisfactory; in most cases excellent.



The real issue here is is it worth spending the money for this set, especially if you already have many of these recordings in the standard jewel case editions? The answer is a resounding yes! Depending on the number of jewel cases you already own, think of the amount of shelf space you will save with this box set. It measures a mere 10 1/2 inches in length, while containing a whopping 72 discs (71 music discs and 1 disc wherein the lyrics are available as PDF files). Donate your old ones to a library, give them to friends, or sell them as "new and used" on Amazon.



There are a few problems with the packaging however. The first being, the discs are packaged in cardboard sleeves, which in turn are in a box, which in turn is slip-cased. You must be very careful when removing the slipcase because if the CDs are not facing up, they can and will fall out into a confusing mess.



The second problem is more problematic: The cardbord sleeves only list the "theme" of the disc or the title of the work. Even though this set is at a bargain price, one would think that EMI could have given a complete track listing on each sleeve. Yes, there is a booklet that does, but having to refer to it every time you put on a disc is not very convenient.



Finally, good luck with regards to finding the disc you want to play as they are not labeled on the spine of the covers.



In summary, albeit the couple of packaging issues, this set is very much worth the money (at the time of this writing, $2/disc). It is so very complete and saves so much shelf space. And again, obviously, the conductor's works during this time period are invaluable."

Karajan 1946-1984

whitley 190 | tennessee | 04/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
Karajan recorded leider in the 1940's. His first opera recording was done in 1950, the last in 1984. There are 71 CDs in this set with one CD of librettos in PDF format. If you really like Karajan, grab this, and the companion orchestral volume, before they disappear."