Bax: The Symphonies 1-7, Tintagel, Rogue's Comedy & interview with Vernon Handley

A revelation! Indeed, it's one of the best Bax recordings. Handley masters a somewhat mysterious and challenging music, grasping the best of it. Not to miss.

I’ve loved the music of Bax since childhood. Besides some first rate and atmospheric tone poems the recently acquired Symphonies have been a revelation. This music needs to be far better known. The performances and recording are wonderful!

Vernon Handley did so much to promote the wonderful symphonies of Bax. They are neglected gems.Brilliant recordings. Highly recommended.

I first got to know the sound world of Bax's symphonies from the Chandos recordings conducted by Bryden Thomson in the 1980s - great recordings made in quite a resonant and dynamic acoustic. These newer recordings conducted by Vernon Handley are no less enjoyable, but are perhaps a bit more "considered" and analytical in feel - they get you more into the detail and grain of the music, but are perhaps just a little less involving or captivating than the Bryden Thomson versions. They also seem to be recorded at a lower level and seem a bit quieter (confirmed when I ripped the tracks to FLAC files for my digital player) - perhaps to give a greater degree of headroom to the louder passages - and I found myself turning up the volume to compensate. This is not a fault per se, but something to be aware of, and it might explain why they feel a little less impactful than therecordings under Bryden Thomson. More a matter of personal taste and which one you might prefer on any given day.Nevertheless, these are excellent recordings of the complete symphony cycle - and the "bonus" disc of the interview by Andrew McGregor of the conductor Vernon Handley is fascinating and gives some great insights into Bax's symphonic works. Overall, an excellent set of recordings to have in one's collection.

Worth whatever pittance you paid for the interview disc alone, absolutely fascinating insight.

Just wonderful - this box set has become the soundtrack of my life. For me the genius of Bax is that each movement is a surprise no matter how many times I have heard it. The music defies memory somehow, every listening is fresh.

Arrived on time,all is good,thanks !

Excellent