Vine Complete Symphonies

AND ABOUT TIME TOO!! For so long the benchmark for composition in Australia, Carl Vine deserved this collection of his symphonies much earlier. Recorded over 12 years by the SSO under both Challender and De Waart, one can hear not only the conceptual & aesthetic development, but also Vine's intent to stay true to his own artistic vision. Aesthetic world views are embraced and absorbed, but never slavishly regurgitated or ritually observed. Even his drift towards more tonal harmonies need never degenerate into the trite tedium of the neo-romantics. Carl Vine's voice is, and so remains, uniquely his own. My personal favourites are Symphonies 4.2 and 5, and the breathtaking 'Celebrare Celeberrime'. This is a must for anyone serious about a music collection to stand the test of time. 10 out of 10.