In my July 2002 ‘Collection’ on Vaughan Williams’s A Pastoral Symphony I waxed lyrical about André Previn’s January 1971 account for RCA, concluding that ‘were it available, it might well have finished at the very top of the heap’. Well, it’s back, sounding as fresh and atmospheric as ever, and yet again I’m bowled over by the concentration, sensitivity and exalted artistry on show. Set down in May of that same year, the Fifth also receives a remarkable performance, its lofty patience matched by total commitment to the cause. Those who find Previn’s sensuality just a bit too much of a good thing can safely turn to Handley’s leaner RLPO version, but there’s no denying the overwhelming emotional impact here. Apart from some slight wear and tear on the mastertape of the Fifth, the recordings offer both warmth and detail in the finest analogue tradition.

I’m less convinced by the two remaining interpretations. Previn’s low voltage, level-headed Fourth disappoints; the first two movements in particular are held on far too slack a rein, while that famous Beethovenian transition from scherzo to finale is worryingly devoid of symphonic power. The Sixth is more successful, but still falls short in terms of intellectual, poetic and visionary scope by the side of, say, the 1953 Boult or (more recently) distinguished readings from Sir Andrew Davis, Handley and Haitink (Previn’s curiously literal ‘Epilogue’ drifts too aimlessly to make its point). In both instances, the 1968-69 sound is good rather than exceptional. For the Pastoral and Fifth alone, however, this low-price reissue deserves a hearty welcome.