A justly-famous demonstration record in its LP form (although not submitted for review), the Compact Disc is, not unexpectedly, even more impressive. The great opening Chaconne from the Holst First Suite—a marvellously economical and totally memorable example of the form—has never sounded so riveting before on record. Fennell has its measure; his pacing is exactly right and the climax is made to sound inevitable, while the detail on the way is a joy. Both the military band suites are among Holst's finest music and they have never before been presented with such aplomb and recorded realism. The balance is a little forward and there is occasionally too much bass drum (although no one will grumble when it caps the climax of the Chaconne) but in all other respects one cannot but marvel at the natural clarity and presence of the sound.
The balance in the Fireworks music favours the brass; this is very much a 'military' band version, but again the sense of spectacle is remarkable. The Bach is perhaps best forgotten. Instead of playing it one can encore the ''Fantasia on the 'Dargason''', the finale of the Holst Second Suite, where Greensleeves is cunningly (and wittily) combined with the main tune. The clarity of the sound here is remarkable.
This will remain among my top two or three demonstration Compact Discs to show visitors just what this new medium can accomplish. Incidentally, the Telarc liner-note is beautifully printed and does not attempt to put three languages into a limited amount of space. It is in English and provides, in addition, technical as well as musical information about the recording. My congratulations go to Telarc's record producer, Robert Woods and engineer, Jack Watson, even if they do slightly overdo that bass drum!'