Holst

Two masterpieces transformed by Karajan’s alchemy [JF]

Utterly sympathetic and inspired [JF]

From macabre midnight to hopeful dawn [JF]

79 CDs of Warner’s Boult stereo legacy offering the known and the overlooked alike [JW]

Sargent’s music-making can still take you by the throat [RB]

The finest Holst disc in years [RB]

A fine interpretation of the Choral Symphony added to a sparse field [WK]

A welcome addition to the many recordings of Holst’s classic with a new atmospheric portrait of the Earth [PRJ]

Bernstein at his most wilful and brilliant [LD]

Well-played and recorded but I have reservations about some of the repertoire [GPu]

A very valuable archive issue, which is self-recommending to Holst enthusiasts [JQ]

by David Barker

Sargent’s charisma shows these scores in their best light [NB]

Some remarkable finds here [CC]

This budget priced album is a great introduction to the dances by many of the better-known British composers [KT]

A fascinating recording, including previously unknown works by Holst, performed and recorded at the school for which they were composed [GPJ]

Bristol Choral Society in fine fettle, rising to the challenges of a varied selection of pieces [JQ]

Much-recorded favourites mixed with CD premieres make this an intriguing, delightful album [KT]

A joyful celebration of women’s voices and women composers [PT]

This disc will delight you if you should find it under the tree on Christmas morning [JQ]

An enjoyable, thoughtfully prepared Christmas album [JQ]

A well-planned and beautifully executed programme sure to summon some Christmas cheer [NB]

This CD illustrates how well Holst’s music works for the brass band medium [KT]

A valuable contribution to the recorded legacy of British music [JF]