First of all, I agree completely with Mr. Bailey's high estimate
of Gerhard's Piano Concerto.  Concerning the Fourth Symphony, it is
a formidable, elusive, yet fascinating work.  There is indeed a strong
element of Spanish traditional music in it, yet that element is as elusive
and transitory as everything else in this work.  I find it very hard to get
a sense of a continuous melodic line in this music.  Yet it is music of
great expressive power and it is worth repeated listening.  The Chandos
cd also contains The Pandora Suite, taken from a 1942 ballet score, is
a strong, attractive, and completely accessible work.

Bernard Chasan <[log in to unmask]>