Symphonies 1 & 2

"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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"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".

"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".