NEW RELEASES

Rautavaara Cantus Articus, Piano Concerto No 1, Symphony No 3

RSNO/Lintu (Naxos)

A fine selection of music by the cult Finnish composer. The earliest work here is the rugged Third Symphony. Laura Mikkola is a splendid in the quirky First Piano Concerto; and the disc is made up by the Cantus Arcticus for birds and orchestra, with the bird sounds originally taped in the Arctic Circle. Under the baton of Hannu Lintu, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra possesses the necessary Nordic timbres. HHHH

Vaughan Williams Symphonies Nos 5 & 9 BSO/Bakels (Naxos)

Two contrasting symphonies from Vaughan Williams finely captured by an on-form Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under Kees Bakels's careful direction. Their playing of the wartime Fifth Symphony is notable for its haunting textures. The unusual ninth Symphony, with its battery of percussion, makes up the disc. HHHH