This disc brings together some rare Delius with a tidbit of orchestration by the composer of a short but intrinsically charming Grieg work. 'On the Mountains' is well executed and although it is reminiscent of 'Over the Hills and Far Away', Bostock finds mystery and charm aplenty. One wonders what Beecham would have made of this!
Jan Lund is an exquisite advocate of the Seven Norwegian songs especially in the lovely 'Hidden Love', a piece that is permeated with typical Delian imagery. By far the most expansive work on disc is 'Paa Vidderne', a melodrama in eight movements with narration by Peter Hall that adds to the mystical beauty of the work. I still feel that Bostock and the RLPO do not plumb the intrinsic depths of this work although the recording is a definite winner.
Detailed and authoritative notes by Lewis Foreman complete with full texts and translations add to the allure of this release that is certainly a must for all Delians.
Copyright © 2001, Gerald Fenech