I Musici - Complete Analogue Recordings 1955-1979

When we look at the catalog of 17th- and 18th-century music available today, it is hard to imagine a time when the selection was limited to a handful of groups. In the 1950s, chamber ensembles specializing in Baroque and early Classical repertoire began to flourish. Concerts of this repertoire were hard to come by, so recordings were the primary means for music lovers to enjoy and expand their knowledge (a fact that still holds true). In the early 1950s, the extremely successful and popular group I Musici was formed, performing in concert for the first time in March 1952. Many of their recordings on the Philips label have achieved almost legendary status, most notably the first recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons with Felix Ayo, a composer and work with which they remain closely associated to this day. On the occasion of their 70th anniversary, you can discover the entire analog recordings for the Philips label, collected for the first time in this limited edition of 83 CDs. All lovers of Baroque music owe a great debt of gratitude to I Musici, for bringing so much music to the market that was previously unknown, or only known in a few cases. Their recordings will endure for many years to come because, as Toscanini remarked, these musicians had formed "the best chamber orchestra in the world."

Price: $269.98