Vaughan Williams: Symphonies Nos 3 'Pastoral' & 4

'One immediately feels Brabbins's special affinity for this music in the numinous pacing of the first movement of the Pastoral Symphony … I was most moved by the space, shape and tone Brabbins gives to the lyrical second subject [of the first movement of No 4] that then contrasts so vividly with the mechanistic theme (so redolent of Job) which follows. Brabbins's attention to dynamic detail is also striking, both in the first movement (note the really hushed level of the development before the recapitulation really erupts) and the troubling demeanour of the slow movement' (Gramophone Editor's Choice Jan 2020)

'[Symphony No 3] Martyn Brabbins seems completely aware of the duality of the symphony-the sometimes understated beauty of the surface, the turbulence breaking through from below … [Symphony No 4] another superbly paced performance … these new accounts from Brabbins and the BBC Symphony Orchestra sound superb in such broad, atmospheric recordings' (BBC Music Magazine March 2020 Orchestral Choice)

'Highly recommended' (New Classics)

'This CD contains an account of the Pastoral Symphony in the superlative class, fully revealing the genius lying behind the score … this exceptionally well-filled issue is very strongly recommended' (Musical Opinion)

"This is a fine disc, and one that builds upon the qualities present in the first two volumes." MusicWeb Feb 2020