For Miroirs - which has five movements - I am going to compare each individually. ‘Noctuelles’ clearly inspired Bavouzet’s design imagination in both performances. The harder-toned MDG evokes a skittishness in the nocturnal flutterings, but the Chandos has more light and shade, with even the shadows dancing. So it’s 2 - 5 in favour of the Chandos.

…yet another Mahler 2 that does little for me. I think it says a lot that the interpretive highlight came in the second movement, for me at least. Oh and the horns are just amazing throughout. But that’s it, folks. Don’t bother.

…this is so-so Mahler for me. If it happened to be the only version I’d heard I would be impressed, but there are some many recordings out there with a lot more to say about this youthful outburst of music.

#KarajanDG1980s CD 40 Karajan’s last recording of Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra. The immense power and weight of the orchestra could have been too much, but the recording is lucid and balanced really well. This is a thrilling ASZ, even if I still slightly prefer Karajan’s greater sense of discovery in earlier versions. I particularly loved the final clamour of the very last climax, before the music dies away to its uncertain close. The strings and winds work together with incredible strength, whilst the horns ring out above all. Amazing.

…had already placed this performance in my top few and that great, soaring flood of sound only enhanced my reaction. So, if it is not already obvious, this is a Sea Symphony to reckon with.