Ballet Music

Thank you Chandos for releasing such a wonderful record of Arnold's unknown (to me) ballet music. Of course you've done many great recordings this year but for me this is the best of 2009.I'd never heard any of Arnold's ballet music - that's virtually impossible here although we've the famous `Nederlands Dans Theater' over here - and I was delighted with the whole program on this disc. Much of the music reminded me of Arnold's lightweight 4th symphony but the Electra music is a weightier affair. Listen for yourself. 70+ minutes of high spirited music can get boring or fatiguing but NOT with this release. It's over before you know it.I particularly want to give my compliments to the recording. It's dynamic, spacious, virtuosic and very very good on presenting the timpani. My cat ran out of the room. Which is a compliment by the way - he must have felt the music literally. Because that's what the percussion does in this recording: you can physically feel it. A very very important improvement over all the recordings of many other label (except BIS) where timpani sound like drums under a blanket.

A disc of Arnold rarities. I had only heard of one of the works until recently. All are typical Arnold with great tunes and orchestration, but Electra is simply stunning, especially the loud driving finale. Recommended must-have disc for any lover of his music.

I can't praise this composer enough. He grabs my attention instantly and comes up with both gorgeous and fascinating orchestral colours. I first got to know him after a radio programme talking about his 5th symphony - one I thoroughly recommend.