I can’t think of any other modern CD collection of English oboe concertos that I have enjoyed more than this. Ruth Bolister’s refined phrasing and elegance of articulation are captivating throughout, especially so in Elgar’s delicate Soliloquy (a fragment of an Oboe Suite, scored by Gordon Jacob). Jacob’s own First Concerto is the most substantial work in the programme, and given its recording première here. It was written for Evelyn Rothwell, although Leon Goossens then purloined it and gave the première in partnership with Beecham. In Ruth Bolister’s hands, the neo-Classical first movement is most divertingly presented and the wistfully yearning Andante is quite lovely, followed by a more characteristically pastoral closing Rondo.

In the Holst Fugal Concerto, flautist Kate Hill’s contribution is equally delightful; the opening Moderato brings a felicitous interplay, and the Adagio, with its flowing line reminding one of Bach, has surely never been more beautifully played on record. The Goossens Concerto is succinctly structured with spicy and unpredictable moments of astringency; the piece has a sombre lyrical core, yet ends genially. The closing work by Vaughan Williams then makes a perfect foil, its pastoral feeling naturally caught.

Stephen Bell’s accompaniments with the excellent Elgar Chamber Orchestra could not be more stylish, the string playing neat and polished, the lustrous recording, warm, natural, transparent and very much in the demonstration bracket. Very highly recommended.