Symphonies 1 & 2
Orb and sceptre

"This is a compelling coupling of exceptionally fine Walton performances. The Chandos recordings of both performances are superb ... Both these performances now become the modern benchmark for the respective works".

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"Whilst Kazuki Yamada's account of the First symphony may not eclipse the Previn recording, he's far from alone in that (...) His performance of the Second symphony is very fine and Orb and Sceptre is much more than a makeweight in this programme (...) the partnership between Yamada and the CBSO is already a very fine one (...) This disc has an awful lot going for it and I hope that DG will be back in Birmingham ... very soon".

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"*Recording of the week* Yamada leads the CBSO in exploring the depths of each twist of the symphony [no. 1] whilst maintaining overarching cohesion, in a reminder of why this work was so rapturously received (...) a top-drawer showing [of symphony no.2] (...] These are the first recordings of this repertoire in the DG catalogue, but they've obviously been waiting until they could truly do the music justice".

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"It is a fitting choice ... offering a broad view of the composer, from ceremonial pageantry to the more searching and contrasted worlds of the symphonies (...) A skilled reading of the First, then, with an exceptional reading of the Second ... Each movement is convincingly paced; the second movement's climax is particularly powerful, and the CBSO woodwinds are exceptionally beautiful".

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"Recording of the month: Karabits's new recording of Walton's First Symphony can be placed alongside Previn's much admired recording but Previn's is outclassed now in terms of this splendid Onyx recorded sound: warm, spacious, with wide perspectives and so full of detail ... Walton's Second Symphony ... Karabits weaves magic here. There is a plaintive poignancy and an agitated questioning tartness but also a lyrical almost out-of-this-world mood of solace ... The whole rounds off in jubilation".

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"Vurdering: IRR outstanding" - "I have no doubt that this disc enshrines great conducting of a great orchestra in great music; the result is a record in a thousand".

"In the First Symphony's more familiar territory, Brabbins never lets the music off the tight rein it requires, so that it sounds all the more powerful as a result ... Siesta diappoints however ... The Second Symphony ... immaculately delivered here".

"Hughes is quite outstanding in the earlier work; he paces and shapes the first movement with total conviction ... All in all, this admirable disc is strongly recommended".

"What is surely beyond dispute is that this is a performance that will stand the test of time for generations to come ... The only slight blot on the landscape is the booklet, poorly proofed and edited. None the less, here is a great record to add to your collection".

"This music may have been inspired by a frustrated love affair rather than anything to do with world politics, but it stands as a symbol of its times, and Previn powerfully conveys that. Meanwhile, this new disc earns a very warm welcome".

"Vurdering: Recording of the month - Vurdering: Editor's choice" - "Gardner presides over blisteringly eloquent and splendidly unbuttoned accounts of both these Walton masterworks ... Heaps to savour and cherish, in sum; certainly, seasoned Waltonians will have a ball. With magnificent truthful sound and judicious balance throughout, this terrific coupling should be snapped up without delay".

"*Editor's choice* Orb and Sceptre makes a cracking curtain-raiser to this generous all-Walton programme, Kazuki Yamada drawing a marvellously stylish response from his Birmingham colleagues ... the Second Symphony represents another unbridled success, the CBSO sounding excitingly up for the task in a reading of tangible conviction and splendid impetus".

"It's the First Symphony which comes off by far better on this new Onyx coupling. Kirill Karabits keeps a steady hand on the structural tiller, elicits an impressively secure orchestral response and excavates plenty of ear-pricking detail ... A most enjoyable performance ... Unfortunately, I'm altogether less happy with Karabit's reading of the Second Symphony".