As Trevor Harvey pointed out in his original review (4/83), this, Andrew Davis's second recording of the Enigma (he has since given us a much-acclaimed third with the BBC SO on Teldec, 3/92), turned out to be a far more considered statement than his previous Lyrita offering (9/75—nla). A bit too considered, I'd say: there is just a hint of ponderousness about the theme's initial presentation and First Variation, and a dearth of fantasy and spontaneity elsewhere (this ''Dorabella'', for example, is a disappointingly earthbound creature).
The Marches, however, are given with rather greater character and flair—here, at least, the Philharmonia sound as if they're enjoying themselves. The 1981 EMI Abbey Road No. 1 studio recording is ample and refined, if somewhat lacking in bloom. Unless digital sound is an absolute prerequisite, for this particular pairing I'd turn in preference to Barenboim's Essential Classics compilation on this same label or (for a few pounds more) the splendidly idiomatic Norman Del Mar on Galleria. The Decca Weekend issue containing Monteux's classic Enigma and Sir Arthur Bliss's brisk, no-nonsense presentation of the Marches has now been officially deleted, though remaindered copies can still be readily found in the bargain-bins.'