Editor’s Choice – January 2024

“Wilson and his Sinfonia produces a top pick in this luscious score.” ****½

Performance ****      Recording *****

“… a stunning performance, whether the kaleidoscopic wind colours of the part-one dances or ravishing glories of the part-three sunrise. Moreover, Chandos certainly know how to capture Ravel’s complex orchestral score, with an ideal combination of a warm glow and sense of space, without losing any of the minutiae…”

Editor’s Choice – Orchestral

“… No coupling but for my money this is the finest recorded Daphnis for a generation.”

“…generations will thank John Wilson for this glorious recording.” *****

“…this splendid new John Wilson version demands your attention.”

Recording of the Week

“… there’s no sense that either Wilson or the individual players have hyper-focused on details at the expense of considering the bigger picture, and the pacing of each individual Part (as well as the sweep of the ballet as a whole) is beautifully judged… As usual with this hand-picked orchestra, there’s some superlative solo work: Wilson truly does have ‘rows and rows of the finest virtuosos’ at his command, and first among equals here is flautist Adam Walker … His piquant, gorgeously-phrased opening solo sets the tone for the entire recording, and such is the variety of colour which he summons that you’d swear he was playing different instruments for the War-Dance and the Pan/Syrinx episode in the Pantomime… All in all, then, yet another feather in Wilson and Sinfonia of London’s now lavishly-accessorised cap …”

Performance *****      Sonics (Multichannel) *****

“John Wilson's latest release, a new recording of Ravel’s Symphonie chorégraphique ‘Daphnis et Chloé’, arguably his greatest score, is a triumph for all concerned…”

“… the delicacy and detail of this performance put it in the top class, and the Sinfonia of London can stand comparison with the top international orchestras. Wilson’s series of recordings for Chandos has hit a new high.” *****