THE BRITISH LINE: A CELEBRATION OF BRITISH MUSIC - ANDREW DAVIS, BBC SYMPHONY (16 CDS)

In 1991, Hamburg-based record label Teldec Classics embarked on a fruitful partnership with Sir Andrew Davis and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. “The British Line” was soon to become an essential series of critically acclaimed digital recordings of major works alongside some lesser-known gems by some of Britain’s most celebrated composers. The series – collected here for the first time – features guest soloists including Tasmin Little, Thomas Hampson and Amanda Roocroft. The set includes bonus disc – Last Night of The Proms: The 100th Season – recorded live in concert in 1994 and featuring star soloists Dame Evelyn Glennie and Sir Bryn Terfel.

Davis’s finest quality is his ability to draw you in without too much point-making. His musical judgement is impeccable, and in a work like Elgar’s Symphony No 2 he has the ability to draw a tear or two as well. The BBC SO’s playing is excellent and the recordings are superb. As British music ‘starter packs’ go, you could hardly do better. -- GRAMOPHONE

“Andrew Davis’s formidable Tippettian credentials shine through in every bar of this outstanding British Line anthology from Teldec” – Gramophone

“These are four of the best Elgar performances on disc available. First, the recording is superb, with near-perfect balance and a really natural sound. Second, the playing of the BBC Symphony Orchestra is first rate. Andrew Davis's conducting of all four works is inspired” – Gramophone

“As digital Falstaffs go, Sir Andrew Davis's 1995 account with the BBC SO remains arguably the front-runner.” – Gramophone

“Davis has the key to this [Vaughan Williams] symphony’s combination of mystery, menace and qualified optimism” – The Sunday Telegraph

“With sumptuous sound, this is easily the best "modern" version [of Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 6] in the catalogue” – Gramophone

“An exceptionally insightful account of the [Enigma] Variations” – Gramophone