The Spanish treasure their composers. Though remembered predominantly for his theatrical works, Ruperto Chapí was honoured a few years ago with the publication of a critical edition of his only symphony – the result of mature study in Rome and Paris and begun in the latter city in 1877. Personal characteristics are integrated into a work that is thoroughly in the classical symphonic tradition that Chapí had absorbed in his studies. It’s well worth hearing, with a brooding opening that soon gives way to some striking writing for brass and is followed by an extended, varied and especially beautiful Andante, a sparkling Scherzo and an imposingly scored finale.

Contrary to Naxos’s claim, this is not the work’s “World Premiere Recording”. That distinction belongs to a version made in Barcelona a few months earlier for the Columna Música label by Guerassim Voronkov and the Liceu Orchestra. If chronologically second, however, this Naxos recording is a clear first in desirability. Where Voronkov is tentative and his recording uncomfortably balanced with (even for a work scored for a large wind complement) an over-emphasis on the brass, Encinar and his Madrid forces are completely assured and altogether more convincing.

Naxos’s coupling is much to be preferred as well – at any rate for those new to Chapí. The Fantasía morisca is the composer’s most widely known orchestral work – a colourful, picturesque and tuneful four-movement suite written originally for military band and an important representative of the so-called Alhambrismo school.

Altogether this is another desirable Naxos bargain.