‘Rich orchestrations, virtuoso vocal parts and captivating tunes … a work of many charms’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Oodles of stunning arias … if you only buy one opera set this year, against all the odds make it Artaxerxes and prepare, like Haydn, to be amazed!’ (Classic CD)

‘A most entertaining concert’ (Gramophone)

‘Absolutely charming’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘Should afford plenty of enjoyment. Recommended … buy it!’ (Gramophone)

‘A very welcome bargain reissue of one of Thea King's most inspired recordings’ (The Guardian)

‘Reveals Arnold at his most inventive: tuneful, witty and ingenious … the performances by the individual members of the Nash are impeccable. This set may one day be equalled but it is unlikely to be bettered, and it deserves classic status’ (International Record Review)

‘An entertaining, at times compelling portrait of a British composer whose true measure we’re only just beginning to gauge’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘The Nash’s superb 1984 set of Malcolm Arnold’s chamber music makes a welcome return. The wide stereo spread of the quintets … enhances the sense of being in the room with the musicians’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Reveals Arnold at his most inventive: tuneful, witty and ingenious … the performances by the individual members of the Nash are impeccable. This set may one day be equalled but it is unlikely to be bettered, and it deserves classic status’ (International Record Review)

‘An entertaining, at times compelling, portrait’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘The performances are superb and the sound is fine. All Arnold fans must welcome this disc’ (Fanfare, USA)