Symphonies Nos 3 & 7 (LSO / Davis) (2004)

An orchestra on superb form, with some magnificent soloists as well as a corporate sonority of awesome weight and concentration combined with a conductor who, like a fine wine, is getting better and better with age. [...] Not only do the LSO respond with invigorating zest and application throughout, Davis's authoritative direction hits genuine heights in the elusive central Andantino con mote, quasi allegretto, which is surveyed here with a bardic mystery, fireside glow and captivating suppleness that really make you sit up and listen, while the finale excitingly combines exploratory zeal and fiery purpose. [...] One or two steep changes of tempi would seem to court disaster, but it's precisely this element of risk-taking that makes the performance so compelling; indeed, Sir Colin's conception possesses such imperious sweep and nobility (and the LSO play with such burning conviction) that any momentary misgivings quickly evaporate. (Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone) Waardering ClassicsToday: dubbele 9, volg link