New (?) Universal Classics budget line

I was browsing at the new Philly Barnes & Noble (which opened up across the street from Tower) last night. While in the budget section, I noticed several releases that had a generic Universal Classics label. The back had a little DG symbol. This looks like a series set up to compete with Sony's Essential Classics and EMI's Encore series, as they were priced the same as those are.

I bought one with Bernstein conducting the Barber Adagio (the Los Angeles recording), a Roy Harris symphony (I'm drawing a blank on the number at the moment) and William Schuman's 3rd symphony. I also noticed one with Ashkenazy's recordings of several of the named Beethoven sonatas and a disc with Haitink and the Concertgebouw performing the Brahms 1st symphony and the Academic Festival and Tragic overtures. Those were the only three I saw, but there must be more of them.

Has anyone else noticed these? I'm curious as to what else is out in this series.

I meant to type Borders; not Barnes and Noble (Don't want to send any locals on a wild goose chase).

One of the earlier releases in this set that I noticed was the Dorati version of CARMINA BURANA. That means they now have that recording available in *three* different series

Yes, and Chailly's Sacre, possibly the best recording at all, is not available for whatever reasons

Chailly's 1985 recording of the 'Sacre' (Cleveland orchestra) is available on Double Decca 473 731-2.

I saw Chailly's Sacre listed as part of a two-fer 'new release' on the MDT site some months ago. It was included with many of his other Stravinsky performances. Perhaps it will eventually be released in that form in the USA.

Ed in Seattle

Not all retailers stock all lines, so even though it seems silly at first glance, I don't think it'll hurt. On a personal note, I bought this performance recently on Eloquence. I doubt if I would have, had it not been priced super-duper budget. The raves are warranted. It's the best CB I've heard.

Wow. Thanks for the recommendation. I enjoy the piece quite a bit, and have several recordings. With the price being right, there's *no* reason not to add this one to my collection, too.

Thank you very much! I have checked many times to no avail, and now jpc say it is due for release in a week or two.