Wagner: Siegfried Idyll; Sibelius: The Tempest; Mozart: Symphony No 41

Although more commonly played in a version for full orchestra rather than for chamber ensemble, this recording of Siegfried Idyll is closer to Wagner's premiere performance, a birthday gift to his wife, Cosima. Ticciati and the larger string forces of the SCO skilfully enhance the richer tone of the work's radiant beauty. Robin Ticciati has had an impressive start to his recording career with the SCO, with two critically acclaimed recordings of Berlioz.

2014 sees Robin Ticciati and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra embark upon their first symphonic cycle with the release of the first four Schumann Symphonies in September 2014.

Sir Charles Mackerras, the SCO's Conductor Laureate until his passing in 2010, made numerous award-winning recordings including BBC Music Magazine's 2010 ‘Disc of the Year' recording, ‘Mozart Symphonies 38-41', on which this impressive performance of Symphony No 41 features. Awarding the recording five stars, The Sunday Times described it as ‘possibly their finest record to date … I don't know more enthralling accounts of the Jupiter on disc.'

As Principal Conductor of the SCO from 1996 to 2005 Joseph Swensen made five thrilling recordings in all, encompassing Brahms, Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Prokofiev and Sibelius. Composed when Sibelius was reaching the climax of his career, the ambitious second Suite from The Tempest contains some of his most inspired ideas and finest music; it is a mouth-watering addition to this program.

A 24-bit 192 kHz studio master for this album is available from the Linn Records website.

CKD540  73 minutes 15 seconds
The Observer
The Daily Telegraph
'This marvellous disc marks the SCO's 40th anniversary by representing its last three principal conductors with a performance apiece. The incumbent, Robin Ticciati, offers Wagner's Siegfried Idyll ...