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Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Rumon Gamba Chandos - CHAN10514 Strange to have had to look to Iceland to make the acquaintance of this inexplicably neglected major work. Forty-four minutes long, Symphony No.2 (1903), dedicated to Chausson, explores cyclic motives across the four movements. It has recognisable aural connections with other composers, but not to a plagiarising degree. Not a forward looking innovator, he respects the classical values of formal structure and tonal harmony. I would expect it to be well received at the Royal Festival Hall by those who took a chance by buying tickets, but today's UK promoters are unlikely to give it a chance unless the orchestra includes england in it touring programme. So it's up to BBC R3 to give it a hearing. Quality recording and production. I found the fill-ups uninteresting. Well worth a try; it is offered reduced at mid-price. Peter Grahame Woolf
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