Full of boxes: new box sets of classical music

There are two difficult situations in life: when you can not think of what to give, and when you can not think of what to write about a classic release-except that “this is a classic, obligated, for the ages”.

Listening to a box set of recordings by the outstanding Soviet violist Rudolf Barshay, you think: here it is, the perfect gift! A really nice box set. Stylish. It looks like a gift in appearance — and an unambiguous treasure in terms of content.At the same time, Barshay is one of the few serious musicians of the past who are so to speak in the cultural current usage, thanks to the film by Oleg Dorman and the book based on this documentary series. That is, sort of like aesthetic music from a popular character. In addition to Barshay, there are several high-profile “boxed” releases. Which is nice to listen to and hold in your hands.Rudolf Barshay. Continue reading →