Kondrashin. Shostakovich Complete Symphonies. 11-CD Box Set

This 11-CD box set comprises recordings of all Shostakovich's 15 symphonies made by Kirill Kondrashin between 1966 and 1975, when the composer was still alive. CD 11 also includes a recording of Shostakovich's 2nd. Violin Concerto in C Sharp minor, with David Oistrakh as the soloist. The recordings were remastered earlier this century and re-issued by Melodiya in this impressive looking box set. The box is made of cardboard with a plastic tray inside to hold the discs.

Despite its flimsiness, the box is in excellent condition thanks to a "one careful owner" approach. The CDs have been played through just once and have not see the light of day ever since. The package includes a 32-page booklet with an essay on the symphonies in English by Daniil Petrov. This is also in excellent condition.

The front cover features a photo of the composer, the back cover features a photo of the conductor. Each disc is encased in a slip-case with track listings and credits on back, and a distinctive, individual wood-cut graphic by a Russian artist on the front.