‘Susan Bickley sings this erotic and exotic music with intense fervour. The Sapphic Poem is a companion piece and equally luscious’ (The Sunday Telegraph)

‘The heady soundscapes and chromatic opulence all make for a good wallow … gorgeous from start to finish’ (The Guardian)

‘His orchestration is fabulously colourful, his melodies strong and memorable, and his sense of drama would make Hollywood composers envious … Caristiona is hauntingly beautiful, Omar Khayyam is full of exotic allure (with real camel bells), and Thalaba may be hokum, but of the best quality. Stunning performances’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘Another fine addition to the Bantock discography’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Another exemplary addition to Handley's absorbing Bantock series … hearty thanks to all involved in this enterprising labour of love’ (Gramophone)

‘The finest large symphonic recordings of the decade. The burnished colors of Bantock's singular music—moody, quirky, haunting—glow under the direction of Vernon Handley’ (Financial Times)

‘Just as good as its predecessors. Roundly recommended’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘Outstanding. A sumptuous wallow for all unashamed Romantics … full marks, Hyperion—now we can all wallow once more. Worth the price for the sumptuous sound alone!’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Hyperion's third collection of orchestral works by Sir Granville Bantock, a composer who rivalled Elgar in his day, is quite simply superb’ (The Scotsman)

‘Handley and his orchestra perform with absolute conviction, and it is difficult to a imagine a more impassioned case being made for it. Hyperion offers superb notes by Lewis Foreman and complete texts. The rich, warm recording is an added plus, with its natural perspective and soundstage. For those who enjoy exploring the byways of Romanticism, this is highly recommended’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘The performances are outstanding. Canadian baritone Finley is in top form, showing total command of his voice with stunning hushed singing and ringing top notes. Drake is his reliable accompanist … everything about this recording is terrific’ (American Record Guide)

‘Finley’s best work … this disc has an admirable program … Finley makes a firm and pleasing sound and he can command the nuances when necessary … Julius Drake’s accompaniments strike me as right and are a pleasure to hear’ (Fanfare, USA)