Both symphonies on this second volume in Hogwood’s Gade cycle are fine examples of the Dane’s mastery of Classical balance‚ with perhaps less overt Romanticism than their dates of composition (respectively 1850 and 1864) might suggest – consider what Wagner was writing in those years. Hogwood’s general approach‚ as in Volume 1‚ is bright and lively‚ the rhythmic precision caught beautifully by Chandos’ recording. Comparing this newcomer with its rivals in‚ for instance‚ the major item here – No 7 – one can hear how the sound serves the music better than either BIS or Dacapo managed. Schønwandt in particular suffers in this respect‚ made to sound pedestrian at times when in fact he is not. The Danish National Radio players for Hogwood are more characterful in the lovely Andante than either rival band‚ though in the scherzo and finale honours are even between Hogwood and Schønwandt. Much the same holds good for the versions of the more lightweight Fourth – dedicated to Louis Spohr – though here I find Hogwood just that much more captivating. If the Seventh is the main priority‚ Schønwandt’s coupling of Gade’s Eighth and last may prove tempting (Järvi has No 2)‚ though Hogwood’s inclusion of the third concert overture is decisive. A real rarity‚ reputedly inspired by the figure of Achilles‚ its character is broadly heroic. Järvi’s and Schønwandt’s cycles are still worth getting to know‚ but at this half­way stage Hogwood’s is clearly now – unless things go very awry in Volumes 3 and 4 – the clear recommendation.