Josef Bohuslav Foerster's life spanned almost an entire century. In the year of his birth, Wagner laid the axe to the roots of tonality with "Tristan"; shortly after his death, Boulez did the rest

Hermann Bumer and the Osnabrck Symphony Orchestra have documented Foerster's symphonic output on three CDs. This commendable edition, now available for the first time as a complete edition, shows a master who was highly respected during his lifetime and who remained true to himself through all the upheavals.

Raised in Prague, Foerster spent many years in Hamburg and Vienna and only returned to his homeland after the founding of Czechoslovakia in 1918.

Tchaikovsky, Dvorak and Grieg encouraged him in his younger years, and later Gustav Mahler sought his advice.

Priced at an attractive 3 for 2 box, this is a unique package to introduce you to his music.