Cat No DACOCD616

It was probably Beecham who first brought Balakirev’s music to the attention of British audiences, and this enticing disc offers new versions of two of Sir Thomas’s favourites – Tamara and the First Symphony – with the rare early Piano Concerto as a splendid bonus, especially as played here by Russian specialist Oleg Marshev. With James Loughran a powerful advocate for the composer, this is a ‘must-hear’ production.