Richard Studt directs a lusty, energetic programme, with the Bartok in particular emerging as rather more earthy than it does on, say, Charles Dutoit's recent Montreal recording. In the Allegro assai third movement the orchestra's leader affects some gipsy-style inflexions, and the closing bars are very exciting. The sound is full, if a little cavernous (especially with regard to the lower strings), but with a nicely blended concertante string quintet, and although I would not count the performance as being particularly memorable (there is precious little in the way of interpretative subtlety and parts of the Molto adagio sound rather leaden), the playing is certainly full of vitality. The Britten Simple Symphony is, again, enthusiastic and forthright, although both here and in the Stravinsky D major Concerto, there is the odd blurred contour that won't please those who insist on ultimate executant refinement. What most struck me about the symphony—at least in this performance—is its considerable indebtedness to Grieg, and to the Holberg Suite in particular, something that doesn't always register so strongly.
Best of all perhaps are the Walton Henry V extracts, both of which convey a certain degree of emotional engagement, especially the second piece, ''Touch her soft lips and part''. So, with useful notes, good sound and an advantageous price, this disc should certainly be considered something of a bargain.'