The starlight express

"Vurdering: IRR outstanding" - "Simon Callow reads this [story] captivatingly ... Since the play is problematic ... this combination is an inspired solution and is just about the ideal way to hear Elgar's often sublime score on disc ... Davis and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra are ideal advocates: attentive to every detail, wonderfully sensitive to the nuances ... The new Chandos set is not only indispensable for Elgarians but a complete joy from start to finish ... I can recommend it with all possible enthusiasm".

"Panned by the critics for its whimsical nature. However, Elgar's touching music won plaudits - and rightly so, for it has some delightful things in it ... Sir Andrew Davis has taken the opportunity to write his own narration ... Simon Callow makes a consistently involving story-teller ... Davis secures absolutely first-rate results from the Scottish CO. Elin Manahan Thomas's light and silvery soprano could hardly be more suited to the parts of the Laugher and Jane-Anne, while Roderick Williams is in glorious voice throughout".