These vintage Boult performances are captured in irrepressibly vivid, mono sound from the first half of the 1950s. In point of fact, the swaggering (and, from a sonic viewpoint, astonishingly undated) set of Arnold’s English Dances and three of the Walton items (Siesta, Portsmouth Point and Scapino) have already appeared elsewhere, coupled with the inimitable 1953 Sitwell/Pears Facade (London, 9/90 – an indispensable mid-price issue). For some reason, those earlier transfers are rather sweeter-sounding and altogether more refined (and the dynamic levels in the Siesta aren’t artificially boosted as they are here). Whatever, Boult fans will want this new Belart compilation for the Elgar Bavarian Dances (given with such flexible warmth and affection) and Walton’s Wise Virgins suite (another most sympathetic, crisply pointed display). Both the Siesta and Scapino go very well indeed, although Portsmouth Point doesn’t quite fizz in the same way as does Sir Adrian’s earlier 1936 version with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In spite of any minor technical niggles, this release is irresistible value at budget price.'