I discussed this set in the context of its rivals in my February ''Quarterly Retrospect'' and hope I will be forgiven if I summarize my impressions rather briefly. Mischa Maisky produces an altogether sumptuous tone and were beauty the sole criterion, this account would sweep the board. His performances are refined, cultured readings but he is rather less inclined to let the music speak for itself than some of his rivals. The CD produces a wonderfully sharp image and has superb definition. But Maisky is somewhat handicapped because of the price factor: he takes three on CBS (MK37867—to be reviewed later) and Lynn Harrell on Decca.
Of course, Tortelier also runs to three discs on EMI and here I am inclined to prefer Maisky in spite of moments of self-indulgence, such as the Sarabande of the D minor Suite. As I have said, there are times in the quicker dance movements when one longs for Maisky to move on—the Allemande of No. 6 is taken so slowly that in the LP format the second repeat has to be omitted to accommodate it comfortably on one side. However, there is no doubt that he makes an absolutely glorious sound and commands an unusually wide range of colour and tone, which is beautifully captured in the new format.'