In the concert hall overtures are often misused as orchestral finger exercises, rolling out the red carpet for the rest of the programme, and at first glance this production by Tudor may look like a selection of musical requests. The ancient world, while its spirit can still inspire visitors to the Acropolis or the temples at Agrigento, has a hard time of it today, as we neglect to cultivate its languages or literature. Yet every day and all over the world, it is present in the masterpieces of classical and romantic music, and their fabled heroes Iphigenia, Idomeneo and Medea have become members of classical music's family. This recording has no didactic aim. It is about bringing these masterpieces back into the limelight: beside the title of "Overture", each one deserves the addition "symphony in one movement" or "symphonic poem". They are joined by the coronation music from Idomeneo, now justly considered a unique ballet suite from the genius of Mozart.