Volume 1 of this new Naxos edition of Wilhelm Furtwängler’s pre-1940s recordings includes an account of J.S. Bach’s third Brandenburg Concerto that is lightyears away from the ‘historically informed’ norm of today, yet eloquent, deeply-felt and with a real sense of light and shade.

The two Mozart opera overtures are typically dramatic and intense, while in the ever-popular Eine kleine Nachtmusik Furtwängler caresses the melodies, allowing rhythms to stand proud and making effective use of dynamic contrasts.

The Overture to Schubert’s Rosamunde is especially weighty in Furtwängler’s hands, while the B flat Entr’acte is tender and warmly expressed, and the G major Ballet Music puckish and witty.

Bach, J S: Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV1048 Bach, J S: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV1068 Bach, J S: Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV1068: Air ('Air on a G String') Mozart: The Abduction from the Seraglio, K384 Mozart: The Magic Flute, K620: Overture Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, K492 Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, K492: Overture Mozart: Serenade No. 13 in G major, K525 'A Little Night Music' Schubert: Incidental music to Rosamunde, D797 Schubert: Rosamunde, D797 Schubert: Rosamunde, D797: Ballet Music No. 2nd Conductors Furtwängler, Wilhelm Groups & Artists Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra