The main competition for this material comes from Riccardo Chailly’s excellent selection of film and dance music for Decca. While the repertoire is not identical, its substance really is, and given the choice between them I have no hesitation in recommending this inexpensive three-disc set, for several reasons. First, Chailly’s discs (even assuming that they are all still available) must be purchased separately, and this entire set costs just about as much as any one of those single CDs. Second, I like the inclusion of a few more substantial pieces, such as the Overture on Russian and Kirghiz Themes, as well as the brilliant performance of the Festive Overture Op. 96. Third, while Chailly delivers beautifully played renditions, Kuchar’s are simply more exciting, particularly in the many gallops and waltzes. This isn’t music that requires the ultimate in polish, though the playing of the Ukrainian orchestra is very good–and it’s also significant that Kuchar reveals more instrumental detail than does Chailly, particularly in the Jazz suites, or (for example) the Folk Fest segment of the suite from The Gadfly. Terrific sonics add up to an irresistible package that makes an easy first recommendation for this repertoire.
