Symbolism in the Middle English Religious Lyric

Extract

Amongst the vast output of new records, usually calling for heavy financial outlay, are various ‘bargain’ discs which sacrifice nothing in the way of performance-polish or recording quality. Indeed, the Decca Ace of Clubs series is usually a jump or two ahead of most of its British counterparts in these matters and especially is this true of orchestral records, always a popular proposition.

Ansermet Favourites on ACL 37 is a case in point wherein Ansermet, conducting L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, invests Chabrier's Espana with the abandon which is its just due. To the same composer's Marche Joyeuse the Swiss conductor brings vitality and amply scaled dynamics. Ravel's intriguing Pavane pour une Enfante Defunte, with some really mellifluous horn-playing, and imaginative performances of two ever welcome works by Saint-Saëns—Danse Macabre andLe Rouet d'Omphale —complete this entertaining French concert. The record-jacket carries some informative and lucid programme-notes by Martin Cooper.