Open Web Player
This well-filled disc featuring two of the giants of English music conducting some of their most important works has obvious historical value. When you consider that the performances are terrific and the transfers by Mark Obert-Thorn are up to Naxos Historical's usual high standard, this presents an excellent value on purely musical grounds. Holst's "Planets", recorded with the London Symphony between and October of 1926, is taken at an extremely brisk clip, but with unflagging energy so that it never feels rushed. I have ten recordings of the piece, most of which clock in at 49 to 50 minutes; Holst comes in at 42:35. More modern recordings will of course have more depth of field and spectacular sound, but this one needs no allowances and stands on its own merit.
Vaughn Williams' craggy Fourth Symphony was recorded with the BBC Symphony in October 1937. Like his friend Holst, the composer was taking no prisoners; most modern performances clock in at around 31 to 33 minutes but VW zips through in 29:51. As with "The Planets," once you start listening the lack of modern sound becomes inconsequential and the music takes over.
Toss in the bonus of Holst's 1929 recording of his brisk "Marching Song", interesting liner notes and full recording specifications and you have a real winner of a disc. Highly recommended.
Top reviews from other countries
Eboracum
Une remastérisation râtée d'interprétations historiques.
Reviewed in France on March 19, 2017
