One of Rouse’s first musical loves was Beethoven, and he turns to the German’s iconic Fifth Symphony in a homage that radiates joy in invention…Not just Beethoven, but Nielsen and Copland are discernible among other forebears whose presence underpins Rouse’s ability to straddle tonality and dissonance with heartfelt expressiveness yet showman flair. It’s a distinctive mix – and renders his neglect in the UK a mystery.

[The Fifth is] a finely proportioned and readily communicative work, such as makes an ideal point of entry into Rouse’s symphonies, and one which is appropriately complemented by the Concerto for Orchestra..the Nashville Symphony rises admirably to these pieces’ not inconsiderable challenges. Sound has no lack of clarity or definition.