Symphonies Nos 1, 3 & 5

"These are worthy additions to the repertory, beautifully orchestrated, and the composer surely knows how to use brass and percussion effectively. Symphony No. 1, written in 1975 and revised three years later, begins with a melancholy harp solo and includes two sets of variations before ending with a brassy climax. Symphony No. 3, also in a single movement as was No. 1, was completed in 1985 and includes an exquisite oboe solo before the triumphant conclusion. Symphony 5 has four movements with a vivacious scherzo followed by a lovely adagio and a brilliant finale. Producer Michael Ponder and engineer Dexter Newman have achieved spectacular sonics. This is another CD not to miss!"
(ClassicalCDReview)

David Matthews's symphonies crown a wonderful catalogue of orchestral music that is widely recognised, but until now they were unrecorded. The first volume of Dutton Epoch's David Matthews Symphony cycle is powerfully presented by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Martyn Brabbins. The orchestra responds strongly to Brabbins's eloquent readings of music that is at once brilliant and powerfully expressive.