Album: Tchaikovsky, Romeo and Juliet/Symphony 6 (Orfeo)

Andris Nelsons' remarkable ear for orchestral colour is put to the test in this bold pairing of Tchaikovsky's Sixth with Romeo and Juliet. The fantasy overture is the more natural fit for the 32-year-old conductor.

The choir of low woodwind, stinging fugato and dewily youthful love theme are vividly contrasted. Tchaikovsky's last symphony is more challenging. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra strings use a lot of bow, and a little too much fabric conditioner in the valedictory "Adagio Lamentoso".