It is apt that this excellent new version of the Franck Symphony, the most important orchestral work by the greatest of Belgian composers, should come from a Belgian orchestra. It is good, too, that it is coupled with a symphony by a composer closely associated with him, Chausson’s Op 20. It may come as a surprise to find what a refined body the Liège Orchestra is under Louis Langrée: their Franck could hardly be more idiomatic, with subtle nuances of phrasing and variations of tempo reflecting the players’ affection for the music.

The syncopated rhythms of principal themes in the first movement and finale come over with natural ease and affection, and, helped by a well balanced recording, the playing has splendid dramatic bite. Langrée’s tempo for the central slow movement keeps the music moving, fairly enough in reflection of the perhaps unexpected tempo marking of Allegretto.

The performance of the Chausson is equally persuasive and, like Tortelier’s performances with the BBC Philharmonic, the result is totally idiomatic. Langrée again opts for a flowing speed in the central slow movement, this time marked Très lent – very slow – but never sounds at all rushed. The clarity and immediacy of the sound add to the impact and Chausson’s syncopated rhythms are conveyed most persuasively. A fine Franck/Chausson coupling by Francesco d’Avalos and the Philharmonia (ASV) is out of the catalogue at the moment, though this new one is marginally preferable.