A pleasant surprise The Maggini Quartet plays Bax - and RON BIERMAN listens '... enthusiastic, first-class performances.'

Inexpensive Vox boxes were once a great way to scratch an LP collector's itch. The full-priced labels didn't mind because Vox wasn't direct competition. It specialized in off-beat repertoire, and sound and performance rarely approached the best. Today's low-priced Naxos label on the other hand must be driving the full-priced labels crazy. It appears they plan to record everything ever written with production standards never less than competitive. Naxos is taking advantage of new technology and today's larger supply of first-rate musicians, chamber groups and orchestras. The results are often wonderful for collectors, even if not on a budget.

The Naxos recordings of the Maggini Quartet help prove the point. The Quartet's Elgar, Britten and Walton performances are as fine as any at full price. Try their recording of a less well known composer such as Moeran and you'll be delighted with your find.

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