Supraphon's Best of Classics is a 10-disc box set of excerpts and short pieces drawn from the label's backlist. Each disc is devoted to the music of a specific composer, and some of the best-known compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven,
Frédéric Chopin, Antonin Dvorák, Leos Janácek, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bedrich Smetana, Johann Strauss, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, and Antonio Vivaldi are represented.The performances by Czech and other eastern European musicans date, with rare exception, from the middle to late 20th century, and the majority of the selections are digitally mastered analog recordings, with some variability in volume and clarity, though the sound quality is quite good for reproduction of this vintage. This collection is a fine starter set for casual listeners, at least for the purpose of becoming acquainted with these classical greatest hits. But because of the lack of promotion of the performers and their original releases, this set is less successful as a sampler of Supraphon's catalog. The discs are packaged in cardboard sleeves, and the thin booklet provides track listings and recording information.