“...So the Zarathustra is good, but this Planets is really excellent. A great tribute to these musicians and to their mentors (and recording team) who helped it all to happen. It’s a Recording of the Month for The Planets alone.”

 

Artistic Judgement: Excellent             Technical Rating: Exceptional

“... Working in the excellent acoustics of Symphony Hall, Birmingham Ralph Couzens and Jonathan Cooper have delivered the goods. There are many versions of both works in the catalogue but I’ve yet to hear a recording of either that is as excitingly engineered. Having heard this orchestra quite a few times in recent years I wasn’t surprised by the accomplishment on display in these performances. However, it’s great to have a permanent reminder on disc of the excellence of this ensemble.”

Performance ****      Recording ****

“... Here these showpieces are played with all the zest and freshness one may hope for from these highly skilled young musicians...”

“Edward Gardner directs the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in a traversal of Holst’s The Planets that genuinely excites in its combustible power, enormous physical impact and technical accomplishment. Insights are plentiful ...”

“... Edward Gardner’s conducting of Strauss’s Nietzsche-inspired symphonic poem is impressively flowing and direct while still being flexible and also alive to small details; in return the member of the National Youth Orchestra play with confidence poise and bravura, and a lack of indulgence on Gardner’s part is refreshing to the music as a whole... However, it’s The Planets that takes the bouquets ... this is a notable version of The Planets.”    ****

“...It [the CD] showcases both the remarkable talent of the young musicians and Gardner;s capacity to channel it and sculpt it into a spectacular orchestral sound... Dextrous, light upper string and wind playing is a feature of the disc, as is the fabulous horn section, which is outstanding throughout...”

"... the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain brings enthusiasm to a dramatic programme with playing that prioritises energy over finesse. Edward Gardner marshals his youthful forces with skill, utilising the acoustic of Symphony Hall, Birmingham ..."

Performance ****½        Sonics(Multichannel) ****

“Chandos deserve the highest praise for making this impressive recording of the wonderful National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain... As with the Strauss work Gardner's 'Planets' is dynamic, swift moving ... the uncompromising vigour of his interpretation is both self-evident and most welcome. those looking for these two works in high resolution sound should seriously consider putting this recording on their shortlist.”

“... one is struck by the warmth and intensity of the string sound and the quality of the wind solos. Edward Gardner’s finely balanced conducting ensures this is one for collectors as well as supporters.” ****

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