This is the first complete edition of the Philips recordings of the Netherlands Wind Ensemble (including several new albums on CD) - an ensemble that made a decisive contribution to Dutch musical life in the 1970s. The Netherlands Wind Ensemble began in 1959 as a wind quintet, but soon expanded its line-up to include serenades and divertimenti from the Classical period that were little known at the time, but have since been recognized and enjoyed as masterpieces: notably the Gran Partita by Mozart, the late Octet by Beethoven and the wonderful Octet Partitas by his Viennese contemporary Franz Krommer. the ensemble began recording for Philips in 1968 and was immediately praised by critics for the technical precision of its playing and the brilliance and wit of its interpretations. They made one of the first comprehensive recordings of Mozart's wind music, including the miniatures, which are particularly appealing because of their brevity and rarity, and began an intensive but little-known collaboration with the popular Dutch soprano Elly Ameling. The youthful, somewhat funky nature of the Netherlands Wind Ensemble has been captured by Philips in both exceptionally vivid recordings and wacky cover designs, which are featured on the CD sleeves. An essay by Peter Quantrill outlines the history and character of the ensemble, drawing on a new interview with Edo de Waart, the director at the time. The repertoire extends into the 19th century with an interpretation of Dvořák's Wind Serenade - the ensemble's CD debut - as well as refined arrangements of overtures and arias by Rossini and a unique collection of 'little marches by great masters'. The Netherland Wind Ensemble's long-standing commitment to modern music is represented by the wind music of Richard Strauss and Stravinsky and the groundbreaking Jazz Symphony by Georges Antheil, the French-American 'bad boy' of classical music in the 1920s and 30s, recorded live at the Holland Festival in 1976.

Antonin Dvorak: Serenade für Bläser op. 44
+Antonin Vranicky: Märsche im französischen Stil Nr. 1-3; Märsche Nr. 1, 2, 5, 6 aus "Sechs kleine Märsche"
+Antonio Rosetti: Marsch aus der Partita B-Dur
+Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach: 3 Märsche Wq. 185 Nr. 1-6; Wq. 187 Nr. 1 & 2
+Charles Gounod: Petite Symphonie B-Dur für 9 Bläser
+Franz Krommer: Oktett-Partiten opp. 57, 69, 79
+Franz Schubert: Menuett & Finale aus dem Bläseroktett D. 72
+George Antheil: Ballet mecanique; A Jazz Symphony; Violinsonate Nr. 1; 4. Satz aus der Violinsonate Nr. 1
+Gioachino Rossini / Wenzel Sedlak: Der Barbier aus Sevilla (Ausz. ); Corradino-Ouvertüre; Semiramide-Ouvertüre; L'Italiana in Algeri-Ouvertüre
+Igor Strawinsky: Konzert für Klavier & Bläser; Ebony Concerto; Symphonies of Wind Instruments; Bläseroktett
+Joseph Haydn: March C-Dur for the Derbyshire Cavalry Regiment; March Es-Dur for the Prince of Wales
+Ludwig van Beethoven: Oktett op. 103; Sextett op. 71; Bläserquintett; Märsche WoO 18, WoO 19, WoO 20 & WoO 29; Rondino WoO 25
+Michael Haydn: Türkischer Marsch C-Dur
+Richard Strauss: Symphonie für Bläser "The Happy Workshop"; Serenade für Bläser op. 7; Sonatina Nr. 1 für Bläser; Suite B-Dur für 13 Bläser op. 4
+Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Johann Georg Triebensee: Don Giovanni KV 527; Die Entführung aus dem Serail KV 384
+Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Serenaden KV 375, 361, 388; Divertimenti KV 166, 186, 196e, 196f, 213, 240, 252, 253, 270, 289; Adagios KV 410 & 411; Notturni KV 346, 436, 437, 438, 439, 549; Divertimenti Nr. 1-4 für 3 Bassetthörner; Duos für 2 Hörner Nr. 1, 2, 3, 5, 7-11 aus "12 Duos für 2 Hörner" KV 487