A valuable addition to the catalogue on its initial appearance, Norman Del Mar's characteristically enterprising 1982 recording of Stanford's Irish Symphony re-emerges in splendidly vital fashion on this beautifully presented release. Compared with Vernon Handley and the excellent Ulster Orchestra, Del Mar is perhaps just a touch lacking in charm and it is undoubtedly the former who more effectively minimizes the element of dutiful convention which occasionally afflicts both outer movements (Handley is nearly three minutes quicker in the opening Allegro moderato, yet there is no feeling of undue haste). However, Del Mar draws the threads together most satisfyingly for the symphony's ample peroration, and his Bournemouth band respond with commendable vigour throughout.
Preceding the Stanford here is a rare outing for the orchestral version of Elgar's Scenes from the Bavarian Highlands. This six-movement choral suite shows Elgar at his most carefree and joyous, qualities savoured to the full in Del Mar's exuberant, nicely disciplined performance. A thoroughly enjoyable reissue.