Overtures

Giacomo Rossini

Recordings

Top Choice

Fritz Reiner / Chicago Symphony Orchestra

1958 Excellent sound, excellent playing.

Recommendation. One of my favorite Reiner/Chicago collaborations. So exciting, real colorful. Reiner allows the instrumentalists to shine. The Chicago brass on the William Tell Overture is a must-hear. A no-brainer.

Also Worth Hearing

Arturo Toscanini / NBC Symphony Orchestra

late 1940s-early 1950s Mono. Dry, dim sound.

You really need to hear Toscanini in this music. So exciting, a little fast, but an incredible virtuosic machine. Obvious passion for the music.