CD: Jurowski conducts Honegger

'All three works on this unexpectedly satisfying CD communicate a joie de vivre without ever sounding lightweight. The jaunty Symphony No. 4 is performed with the wit and subtlety it deserves, bringing out the song-like character of its three movements. Pastorale d’été is a dreamy orchestral summerscape, Une Cantate de Noël a radiant choral celebration of the human and the divine.’
The Financial Times, November 2011

‘Vladimir Jurowski secures a committed response from the choruses and his own dedication to the score is palpable. He is also a sympathetic conductor of the tone poem and symphony here … An engrossing and uplifting experience, the final climax transcendental: music that is not just for Christmas and superbly presented here!’
Colin Anderson, Hi-Fi Critic, December 2011

‘Christopher Maltman ... leads the prayers and carols of the Cantata, its complex choral counterpoint finely negotiated by the London Philharmonic and New London Children's Choirs.’
Tim Ashley, The Guardian, 10 November 2011

‘The often complex lines are clearly differentiated, and the extraordinary contrapuntal feat in the finale of five simultaneous tunes comes off splendidly.’
Roger Nichols, Gramophone, December 2011

‘Very good singing from the LPO Chorus and the New London Children’s Choir, and an excellent live RFH recording.’
Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk, 10 December 2011

‘This is an extremely enjoyable release which successfully pins down this elusive composer.’
Ben Hogwood, Classical Source, January 2012

‘Jurowski maintains a balance among the work’s dense layers, and the orchestra plays brilliantly. Add in lucid accounts of Honegger’s sunny Fourth Symphony and gently bluesy Pastorale d’été, and what results is a disc admirable in all seasons.’
Steve Smith, The New York Times

‘Jurowski’s live London performance is beautifully played and suitably atmospheric ... [The Fourth Symphony] is played here with admirable precision and fine solo work, all the more impressive for being a live performance.’
Paul Orgal, Fanfare

'[The Fourth Symphony] is full of charm and tactile invention, vividly realised in this live recording.'
Paul Driver, The Sunday Times, October 2011