"...Chandos's sound is typical of the house and works well with the performances.  Wilson's interpretations are worth having despite the formidable completion from Alsop in two of them..."

“… Wilson, and the BBC Philharmonic have nailed the Copland idiom and mystique with some of the most insightful readings and best playing of the composer’s music I know. I will be fascinated to see where Wilson goes next wit this survey. Meanwhile, I continue to give his Copland series top billing and a top recommendation.”

"...Throughout, Chandos's recorded sound, SACD-encoded, is opulent and relaxed ..." ****

Performance ****          Recording ****

“... this ebulliently performed collection offers a fascinating portrait of a greatly skilled composer in transition. Don’t hesitate for a moment.

“... All in all, a thought-provoking release.”

“...The BBC Philharmonic’s performance is involved and seems to relish the grittier aspects of the score (the sparse scoring of ‘Dogmatic’ or the meaty ‘Prophetic’ for example). The Outdoor Overture, originally for a youth orchestra, is unremittingly, brightly optimistic, showcasing Chandos’ superb recording...”  *****

Album of the Week

“... Wilson relishes the eerie orchestral effects of the central Dance of the Young Girl, but also revels in the Stravinskyan rhythmic audacity of the faster sections. He is an ideal champion for this latterly neglected music ...”

**** (Recommended Album)     3/5 (Sound)    3/5 (SACD Sound)

“...Sharp and dissonant or darkly exciting, depending on your taste; uncomfortable works but delivered with verve and panache by Wilson and the BBC Philharmonic.”

“...Highly recommended.”

Artistic Judgement: Great/Exceptional         Technical Judgement: Exceptional   (Dynamics: 5     Tonal Balance: 5    Sound Stage: 5      Detail: 5)