These extracts from Brian's comic-satirical opera offer subtle invention besides his compulsive prolixity, and appeal much more strongly than Foulds's fluent but characterless Pasquinade. Clear, classy performances.

Brian's scintillating orchestral textures still show up brightly in these sympathetic and virtuoso accounts. The sound is a touch studio-bhound but still crystal clear, comparing favourably with previous incarnations.

Hagler proves as adept in uncovering the recondite humour as the elusive profundities of these extracts from an opera that marked Brian’s emergence as a composer of stature…the Luxembourg forces render this music with real expressive acuity and Hager directs with unassuming authority…the very real qualities of these readings should ensure they retain their place on the shelves of Brian and Foulds advocates.

The Brian is good but the Foulds is magnificent. This is a fine disc with clean, immediate sound. It is a little studio bound but there is excellent clarity. The choice of orchestra and conductor may appear to be unusual for the repertoire but they do a fine job.