The Bargain of 2007
I consider this release\compilation to be the greatest classical bargain of 2007-a year of many complete issues such as Bach and Mozart on Brilliant classics(before 07).
Stravinsky is the conductor for almost all the performances with the CBS orchestra and, though recorded in the early to late 60's, the sound is spectacular. I am listening to disc 1(for the tenth time) and still love the ambience of old tape recordings(which I find far superior to much of today's DDD and DSD. I will take warmth, substance, and presence over clinical precision and unrealistic detail any day of the week.
Much of the works here are the performances of said works. Of course the rite of spring has been reproduced about as many times as the bible, so it is difficult to say this is the finest, but it is one of the best and with Stravinsky at the helm takes on an air of authority.
I must say I have never enjoyed a Firebird as much as this complete version on disc one.
Again the sound is absolutely incredible. I am listening on a Harman\Kardon surround set and it is spectularly detailed, yet full and believeable, like a real concert hall.
Bravo for this generous release and anyone, both new and familiar with Stravinsky need not think twice about purchasing this. Especially if you are new and would like to get the majority of his great works at one throw for the price of two new releases.
Bravo!!!!!!!!

The definition of "art" is Stravinsk;y's 20th Century legacy
This is a "staple" for anyone owning a stereo
and a CD player.

It's a learning experience .... a bit of an acquired
taste, a "foreign language" that one has to learn, when
we only know our own language. It's complex. It's sometimes
intellectual. It's moody. It's fascinating from a sound
point of view, instrumentation. It's fresh. It's real.

Outstanding reissue for everyone's classical collection
When Columbia (CBS) decided to record all the works of Stravinsky conducted by the composer, it became one of the most spoken about ventures during the 60s and 70s. I remember the vinyl box set and how I wished I had the extra money to acquire this set. Now Sony has remastered the sessions on CD. These are awesome performances of some of the greatest music written in the 20th Century.

Incredible Value - Not to be Missed
Previously a full set of all of Stravinsky's work was well over $200 and since that version is out of print, it sells for far more now. Where can you get 22 CDs of music for around $30? I am thrilled with this set, although there is just one small booklet with very little material in it. A nice plus is that each CD jacket does have the selections listed on the back. It's a cheapo cardboard box and the CDs are in paper sleeves, but what can one expect for around $30? If you have always wanted a full set of all Stravinsky's work without paying through the nose for it, this is the set for you. This set doesn't always contain the best interpretations of Stravinky's work, but most Stravinsky "fans" will buy copies of their favorites as well as owning this complete set. Includes some Stravinsky rehearsals too, as well as a clip of Stravinsky talking about the Rite of Spring. Includes some suites as well as the full work.

No texts???? Big problem...
I own the old box set. True, it takes up a lot of shelf space. The recordings are exactly the same as this set, presented in the exact same order. So I thought I'd buy this new set and sell the old one. But I decided I would NEVER give up the old set to save money without the texts or information contained in the booklets included in the old set.

Virtually every booklet in the old set has comments from Stravinsky on his own works. Some of these comments are priceless -- he dryly notes that since the premiere of his Variations (Aldous Huxley in memoriam), "the music has been analyzed more than it has been performed." Don't you want to read Stravinsky implicitly acknowledging and defending the mediocrity of The Rake's Progress?

How on earth can you listen to Les Noces coherently if you don't know the voices interchange parts? Renard loses its humor and zip without understanding that Renard the Fox is dressed up as a nun -- but how would you know that unless you read the stage directions included? Persephone and Le Rossignol, both gorgeous musical works, are hopelessly lost in translation unless you know French, and understanding the texts add to the beauty. It goes on and on, because Stravinsky wrote a lot of vocal and choral music.

These booklets are just as valuable as the music itself -- they provide context and clarity to what is being presented. Other reviewers look at this as a minor flaw. Unless you have a deep and intimate knowledge of Stravinsky and his works, I think it's a huge shortcoming; the original booklets aren't minor trifles. They're several hundred pages of text and pictures that really add depth to Stravinsky's work and life.

5 stars for the music, sure, except the Oedipus (as other people have noted, the recording here is AWFUL). But I insist that you should try to find the original release of this box and buy it. Or beg, borrow, or steal it from someone -- then you'll realize how much is missing here.