KORNGOLD: Lieder des Abschieds / Symphony in F-Sharp Major

Scored for large forces - the rare Symphony in F Sharp major is a work of real imaginative power and ranks alongside the major symphonic works of Mahler and Bruckner; with a powerful and deeply felt slow movement of grandiose character. Coupled with the exquisite yet, rarely performed 'Lieder des Abshieds' a cycle of four orchestral songs are much earlier and completed in 1920; clearly influenced by Strauss, Mahler and Zemlinsky and performed here with the persuasive soloist, Linda Finnie. Conducted by Edward Downes, the BBC Philharmonic performs with enthusiasm and sensitivity. 'Korngold's lush orchestration needs sound with a full bloom, and the Chandos engineers provided that in spades.' - The Times