CLASSICAL: NEW RELEASES

Sibelius Orchestral Works

LS0, Davis (RCA Red Seal)

Sir Colin Davis, having produced superbly satisfying recordings of the symphonies, now gathers together the best-known shorter pieces for orchestra, with equally electrifying results. From the opening Karelia Suite through to closing Nightride and Sunrise, the earliest of Sibelius's three tone poems, Davis exploits his orchestra to wonderful effect, with the excellent recording capturing the full dynamic of the LSO on top form. HHHHH

Hovhannessian Symphony No 3/ Marmar

Armenian PO, Tjeknavorian (ASV)

If the music of the Armenian Edgar Hovhannessian recalls that other great Caucasian composer, Kachaturian, then that is no accident: the composer of Spartacus taught the younger man. The tuneful ballet Marmar sounds like Scheherezade filtered through Stravinsky and then Kachaturian. More satisfying is the Symphony, with its great slabs of percussion and delicate neo-Classical tones. HHH