This superb symphony—Michael Kennedy has rightly called it a ''supreme work of art''—now appears on the bargain-price Greensleeve label and cheap though it may be, it now sounds better than ever since it has been remastered using the excellent DMM process. It is absolutely beautiful, not least in the quality of its violin sound which can be a disappointment in digital recording. As to Sir Adrian Boult's performance, this is one of the utmoste distinction.
The symphony allows time for the popular Wasps Overture as well, again in a fine performance; and Sir Adrian now keeps to one basic tempo—he used to take one theme considerably more quickly and I could never see the reason for that. The opening theme is notable for its controlled tempo and rhythm. This superb performance of the symphony alone books it for my ''Critics' Choice'' at the end of this year.'