}
}
André Previn
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Walton's dramatic Old Testament tale tells of the fabulously wealthy and decadent city of Babylon, and the dramatic downfall of its godless ruler, with a huge orchestra, eight-part choir, organ and two brass bands. Invoking memories of the first ever performance given by BFC with Walton conducting his dazzling cantata, this remains one of the most memorable of the Chorus’ recordings.
Antal Dorati
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
An historic recording famous for use in the 1976 Old Spice advertisement with over 8m plays worldwide.
Istvan Kertesz / Laszlo Heltay
London Symphony Orchestra
(Psalmus Hungaricus; Hymn of Zrini)
Like so much of Kodaly’s work for choirs both these pieces are an intense cry from the heart, a work which ranks among the best of 20 Century choral writing.
Vernon Handley
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
(Enchanted Summer; Fatherland; Walsinghame)
The series of tone-poems that made Bax's reputation. With excellent solo and choral contributions, Handley is in his element and the orchestra and chorus enjoy to the full the score's rich colour and many graceful solo passages.
Barry Wordsworth
BBC Concert Orchestra
Compelling but little-known music of Elgar showing the composer at his best, with superb and committed choral singing from the Brighton Festival Chorus. A CD which ought to be on every Elgar lovers’ shelves.
Rudolf Kempe
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
‘Always the scent of the moist forest – that was the incense’, declared Janácek, describing his majestic Mass. ‘I felt a cathedral grow before me in the vast expanse of the hills and the vault of the sky’. For him, the whole of creation was a cause for celebration, and with its jubilant trumpets, thundering organ and raw, unbuttoned lust for life, there is something elemental about his Glagolitic Mass – a choral work like no other.
Alasdair Mitchell
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Fifty years after his death, a major work is edited, performed, and recorded, and the name of John Blackwood McEwen is brought back to life. Presented with conviction and a freshness and clarity in this excellent performance, Alasdair Mitchell did his fellow countryman good service.
Matthias Bamert
London Philharmonic Orchestra
An ambitious choral work commissioned by Swiss Radio in 1944 to commorate the hoped for peace after the end of World War II. Rarely performed, Gramophone welcomed the recording a distinguished addition to Martin’s output.