Hyperion CDA66728 – Review by Karl W. Nehring

Several issues ago I recommended the remarkable Hyperion CD containing Robert Simpson’s (b. 1921) Ninth Symphony along with a spoken exegesis of the work’s themes by the composer himself, a splendid concept that the remarkable Simpson carried out to perfection. This disk lets the music speak entirely for itself, with conductor Vernon Handley, the RPO, and gifted recording engineer Tony Faulkner all carrying out their duties close enough to perfection to suit even the most demanding listener. Simpson is sometimes praised as the greatest living composer of symphonies, and this recording will give you an inkling of why that praise is bestowed. Take my word for it – before you buy yet another recording of Beethoven’s Third or Fifth, buy this CD first.

Karl W. Nehring
The $ensible Sound, issue 56