Oramo and the Vienna Philharmonic [take] on two contrasted works by Rued Langgaard that illuminate this composer in all his stylistic diversity and recklessness...Such an idiom should be in this orchestra’s blood and the VPO do not disappoint – whether in the lyrically effulgent initial movement, with its discreetly modified sonata form, or the lithe finale...A mandatory purchase for its interpretative insights, committed playing and tangibly realistic sound.

Breaking news: Oramo’s new recording is one of the best things I’ve heard all year. Of his fillers, the gentle meditation Upaagtede Morgenstjerner (Unnoticed Morning Stars) is most welcome. First, it reminded me what a passionate, powerful and endearingly quixotic talent Langgaard was, and how much joy there is in his work. Second, it’s demonstrated that, in their various ways, all the albums do justice to these underrated symphonies. And third, it’s highlighted the sheer consistency and musical value of that Dausgaard box. Two fine symphonies, very well played and recorded; a cheer-raising, hat-tossing event for all Langgaardians.

It’s a joy to find the Vienna Philharmonic, under Sakari Oramo, lending their plushness to his Second Symphony (finished in 1914), one of those endearingly overstuffed affairs bursting with extra horns; a soprano soloist too.