Reissues

Delius Orchestral Favourites

Alto ALC 1374 (1958-61) 75:15 mins

Thomas Beecham’s championship of the Bradfordborn master yields a generous treasury, with some contrast (e.g. ‘Sleigh Ride’) to break the reveries. There may be silkier-sounding recordings, but none so characterful. ★★★★

The New Year Concerts 1951-54

Eloquence 482 7363 154:36 mins (2 discs) Clemens Krauss was a master of waltz uplift and polka character, with Josef Strauss supreme here. Only Carlos Kleiber’s New Year’s Day programmes have shone as bright. ★★★★★

Concertgebouw Lollipops

Eloquence 482 5650 (1952-68) 159 mins (2 discs) Random showpieces from Amsterdam. Bernard Haitink’s sane if not intoxicating choices provide firm ballast. Surprisingly light touches from Eduard van Beinum, except for a horrid ‘Trumpet Voluntary’. ★★★

Russia - Romance & Drama

Alto ALC 1371 79:07 mins

Yuri Ahronovitch may have been too eccentric in large-scale symphonies, but what extraordinary character in this ideal Russian collection. Musorgsky’s witchy revels and Prokofiev’s strutting Three Oranges march are highlights. ★★★★★