Peter Donohoe

“The two main works here are especially well performed, and in good sound.”

“… The opening bars are exciting, and the splendid entry by the trumpet allows the conductor to achieve greater intensity in this passage, developing the sense of expectation. The unfamiliar swift tempo adopted by Poschner is justified by what he creates. This movement is supposed to portray God and Nature, and there is much greatness in Poschner’s interpretation… In the Adagio, the conductor handles the tempos and themes wonderfully by obtaining terrific string playing, the woodwind in particular being outstanding… The lively tone continues in the Finale. Allegro, with superbly executed orchestral playing and again, the brass group is exceptional. Poschner makes his tempos work very well by generating a build-up of excitement with spirited Ländler leading to a remarkable culmination to this great symphony… This release is obligatory for those who already have the previous discs in this series and the growing number of Bruckner enthusiasts.

“… The final sections, 'Mountain ascent' and 'Courage', show Oramo at his best, the orchestra responding to his demands with alacrity and precision. The prospect of reaching the summit seems to galvanise Oramo and his orchestra into action, the playing more focused, more animated than before. But it's Dausgaard's consistency of vision - and execution - that makes his reading of the symphony so rewarding…  Oramo and his Berliners deliver a superb finale, where Langgaard out-Strausses Strauss, Dacapo's Studio Master ++ coping effortlessly with those mighty perorations. The applause has been edited out. Very good …”

“The romantic First Violin Concerto of Jan Kubelík receives a premiere recording... If you are intrigued by the Kubelík, I think you’ll enjoy both it and the Mendelssohn…  Let’s hope … that more Kubelík is on its way from Šporcl.”

“Britten’s music for string quartet, a comprehensive collection.”