While many labels have taken the easy way out in producing their early music compilations by drawing on outworn conventional performances from their vaults, ABC Classics deserves credit for carefully selecting tracks by the
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra that are played on period instruments in historically informed style, and for making a collection that actually warrants experienced listeners' time and consideration. Granted, many of the excerpts here are so familiar, few classical fans will really need this double-disc album to get acquainted with the music. But the performances are certainly of interest to followers of authentic performance practice, and the collection is a convenient way to explore this Australian ensemble's fine work. The orchestra has been in existence since 1989, but these recordings date between 1997 and 2010, so this program represents the group's performances under director
Paul Dyer, and showcases its work with such internationally renowned soloists as soprano
Yvonne Kenny, Baroque violinist
Elizabeth Wallfisch, countertenor
Andreas Scholl, and transverse flutist Hans-Dieter Michatz, among other important artists who have concertized with the
ABO.