Steve Schwartz <[log in to unmask]> writes:

>Brilliant VW Conductors: Barbirolli, Mitropoulos

I'd definitely want to add Vernon Handley.  His VW symphony cycle is on
balance the finest to appear to date.

Note: Admirers might be interested to know that Handley's in the studio
again this week in Manchester with the BBC Philharmonic, adding Bax 5
and 7 to his ongoing cycle for Chandos.  After this, Bax 1 and 6 are due
early next month to complete the cycle (with a free public concert by
ticket at BBC Manchester on September 3rd).  Chandos hope to issue the
set as early as October, round about the 50th anniversary of the composer's
death.  Fingers crossed Maestro Handley makes it to the line!

All of which makes up for the BBC's dereliction of duty to Bax in his
anniversary year, by only programming one complete work at the Proms -
"November Woods", inappropriately thrown in amongst the jollities of
last week's Royal Gala.

Christopher Webber, Blackheath, London, UK
http://www.zarzuela.net
"ZARZUELA!" The Spanish Music Site