‘A valuable and rewarding issue’ (BBC Record Review)

‘Some of the finest music by a composer whose neglect has been almost criminal … the two quartets here must surely number among his most profound works, and indeed could hold their own against virtually any written in a century which has witnessed so many masterly contributions to the genre. The Delmé play like men committed to the validity of every note … with such a profound sense of inwardness and inevitability that one can only marvel’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘This Hyperion series deserves to stand as a monument while other more superficially glamorous ventures rise and fall around it. If it does not do so, and if it does not eventually force Simpson's breakthrough into the orchestral repertoire, there will truly be no justice’ (Gramophone)

‘Great music indeed, and performed with enormous understanding and control by Handley and the Royal Philharmonic. Hyperion's resplendent recording is a joy; the huge climaxes in both works are projected with molten intensity. Valiant performances; staggering music. Buy’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘Exemplary performances, the sound is superb and the RPO rises magnificently to the challenge of Simpson's vivid symphonic imagination’ (The Sunday Times)

‘Exemplary performances in superb sound’ (BBC Music Magazine Top 1000 CDs Guide)

‘Full of wonderful orchestral effects which this purist, beautifully laid back and believable recording seems merely to mirror without any signs of compression or clouding … I rejoice to hear them so finely played and beautifully recorded’ (Gramophone)

‘A stunning coupling … I can't think of a better introduction to Simpson’ (The Independent)

‘Breathtaking renditions of two of the most masterful milestones on Robert Simpson's continuing re-invention of symphonic thinking … blazing and epic … Robert Simpson's Fifth Symphony is one of the finest such works composed this century’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘No one who cares about 20th-century music in general should pass these performances by, for it is music of a vital and forceful eloquence. Exemplary recording’ (The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs)

‘A marvellous addition to Hyperion's invaluable Simpson series and a "must buy" if ever I heard one’ (Hi-Fi News)

‘Superb performances from all concerned. Nothing but the highest recommendation will do’ (Classic CD)