Critics’ Choice 2023

Interpretation ****      Sound Quality ****    Repertoire Value ****      Booklet ****

“… In what is now his second CD of Gipps' works, the BBC Philharmonic and Rumon Gamba confirm their reputation as insightful and dedicated stewards of forgotten yet individual music. Let's hope that the series will be continued not only with Symphonies 1 and 5, but also with other orchestral works.”

“… Warmly recommended.”

Editor’s Choice – December 2022

“… It’s [Oboe Concerto] a colourful work, and although there are folkish themes here and there, it’s no mere pastoral… The solo part is thrown-off with great panache here by Juliana Koch (Principal Oboe at the LSO), who makes some tricky music sound like a walk in the park. The other substantial work here is the Third Symphony … The BBC Philharmonic under Gipps champion Rumon Gamba sound like they’ve been playing this music all their lives – no mere compliment – and the sonic engineering, rich and full, yet delicately detailed, is absolutely state of the art…” ****½

Performance ****      Recording ****

“… Each of this foursome, the bulk from the 1940s, offers pungent and individual delights… Chanticleer, remnant of an abandoned opera, launched in ear-grabbing style with snarling brass chords. The Oboe Concerto, like Gipp’s Horn Concerto], should be a welcome gift for any soloist eager to show dexterity in multiple moods, from the war-torn and violent to the gracefully plaintive. Juliana Koch relishes every moment of the very attractive work… the Thrid Symphony … packed with so many striking moment from dramatic climaxes to wistful wind solos, that you have to sit back and luxuriate. Throughout the album the BBC Philharmonic plays with bright colours, a sharp attack and swaggering energy – just what this dip into Gipps deserves.”