Borodin, who was a chemist, essentially composed part-time, which is why his first symphony took five years to complete. But as it is said, all good things come to those who wait. These are works full of beautiful melodies – and under Gerard Schwarz’s astute direction, the Seattle Symphony play beautifully. I have long been an admirer of the recordings of Schwarz and the Seattle Symphony so when this title crossed my desk I was curious to see how it was performed. After the first few bars of the first symphony, I knew that this would be a recording to savour for quite a while.

Phil Richards is from Readings Carlton