You may feel drawn to this disc out of a sense of duty. You know that you ought to know more of Schubert’s overtures than the so-called “Rosamunde” or the Overtures in the Italian Style. So you put this disc on—and are immediately transported with a sense of sheer delight. What is more, this continues throughout the disc as one engaging work follows another. At the end you pour yourself another cup of Earl Grey and start again. Well, at least that was my experience…The notes by Keith Anderson helpfully explain the origins of each Overture, but I doubt whether you would be able to distinguish which is which without those notes. They are however unfailingly attractive, most with slow introductions followed by sonata-form movements. If you enjoy Schubert’s first three Symphonies, you will certainly enjoy these pieces which are very much in a similar vein and with similar virtues, especially in respect of the very characteristic scoring. Over and over again the listener will find themselves delighted by a turn of phrase, an unexpected harmony or deft orchestration.

Although clearly this is essentially down to the composer, much of the pleasure of the disc is also due to the bright but affectionate performances by the Prague Sinfonia, an expanded version of the Prague Chamber Orchestra. Christian Benda comes from a very distinguished family of Czech musicians and directs performances that are just right for these pieces, avoiding on the one hand blandness and on the other excessive point making. The recording quality is clear and full.

You will have gathered by now that I have had considerable pleasure from this disc. Completeness can be a mixed blessing, but on this occasion I am very glad that Naxos have decided to do this in respect of a category as unexpected as Schubert’s Overtures.

I am a huge fan of Franz Schubert's music, so I was delighted by the new Naxos release of Vol. 1 of his complete overtures . Contained therein are nine spirited works from his teenage years—concert and opera overtures that are mostly unfamiliar, but are great fun. I do not mean this as a condescending remark; Schubert's preternatural genius was already on display in his teen years. The overtures are performed with wonderful verve by the Prague Sinfonia, under Christian Benda.

An excellent project is launched with this disc. In keeping with Naxos' policy of exploring the byways of music, nine delightful little overtures come to light. Unlike similarly titled 18th century works—which were generally extensive suites of dance movement—these little gems represent the precocious young Schubert attempting to break into the showbiz of his time. Whether he would have succeeded as a composer of operas is in doubt, if we consider the small number (two or three) that he managed to get published. But the overtures are another matter: they brim over with catchy melodies, and the structure and orchestration are really excellent. Christian Benda, scion of the illustrious Bohemian family of musicians, digs into these scores with gusto and the Prague Sinfonia rewards the listener with enthusiastic response and great sound.