Classical reviews

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> Christmas Spectacular John Wells, Nicholas Forbes (organists), APO Brass and Percussion, Musica Sacra choir. Atoll CD.

Ubiquitous jingles and jangles of Christmas are sounding in the shops now December is here, but this is a cracker CD for ears of classical music fans. The Auckland Town Hall grand organ pulses mightily under exciting fanfares and arrangements for the Auckland Philharmonia's brass and percussion players to introduce the fine choir in good voice.

It's not a live concert, having been brilliantly recorded earlier this year. The music is well chosen, including John Rutter's Gloria as well as his What sweeter music and Mary's Lullaby. There are also a number of familiar carols and seasonal melodies in spectacular and new arrangements, suited to the assembled musical forces, conducted by Indra Hughes.

Highlight: Thrilling fanfares force listeners to enjoy Christmas seriously!

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> Malcolm Arnold: Cello Concerto, Symphony for Strings, etc. Northern Chamber Orchestra, Manchester Sinfonia. Naxos CD.

Raphael Wallfisch is soloist on this world premiere recording of the Cello Concerto, Op.136, written in 1988 for Julian Lloyd Webber. I loved its soulful middle between two lively outer movements, played in inspired fashion.

We are treated to two more premieres with the Saxophone Concerto and Concertino for Flute and Strings (Carl Raven and Esther Ingham the soloists). The sax showpiece greatly pleases, with a blues-tinged Andante and finale with Weill-like sardonics.

John Turner features magnificently in the virtuoso five-movement Fantasy for Recorder and String Quartet, a late work. The outstanding programme ends with the gritty Symphony for Strings, Op.13. (Composer David Ellis arranged, orchestrated or revised the concertante works.)

Highlight: Fascinating disc with perceptive notes in its booklet.

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