These days one would be lucky to hear any of these wonderfully crafted eleven Comedy Overtures in the Concert Hall let alone encounter a complete performance of the works from which they are taken. For that reason alone the attractive selection of music performed on this disc is most welcome.

The majority of the Overtures performed here were written in the 19th century whilst just two – Domenico Cimarosa's 'Il matrimonio segreto' and Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari's 'Il segreto di Susanna' - stem from the 18th and 20th centuries respectively.

All these pieces are beautifully orchestrated by their respective composers and crammed full of beguiling melodies. They can hardly fail to be enjoyed, whether listened to all at once or simply randomly dipped into.

The American conductor Lance Friedel directs the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in efficient well-drilled performances (that include some fine wind solos), though there is sometimes a lack of charm and nuance evident, especially when compared with accounts from more charismatic conductors from the past such as Beecham, Karajan, Szell and especially Paray, whose incomparable account of Auber's 'Fra Diavolo' overture can be heard on a marvellous Mercury Living Presence SACD Suppé, Auber: Overtures - Paray.

The recordings were made in the Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, – the orchestra's main rehearsal and recording studio, a venue not renowned for its acoustic richness – and engineered by the usually reliable Phil Rowlands. Wind, brass and percussion are cleanly reproduced, but the acoustic does not flatter the strings which can sound rather shrill when playing forte or above.

This multi-channel Blu-ray audio disc offers a choice of 2.0 Stereo (24-bit 96 kHz) and 5.1 Surround DTS-HD Master Audio selectable at the touch of a button on the player. In stereo the sound is well focused and has a pleasing ambience, but the 5.1 Surround mix is disappointing. Though some sound does emanate from the centre channel there is virtually nothing at all from the surround speakers. Further, the overall volume when listening in multi-channel seems much reduced.

You can watch and listen to the orchestra performing the overture to Peter Cornelius's 'Der Barbier von Bagdad at https://vimeo.com/119733130 which provides a taste of what to expect.

In spite of the reservations stated above this generous collection (79'.41”) has, musically at least, much appeal.

Copyright © 2015 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

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