"Editor's choices - Oktober 2017: In the hands of Andrew Davis, the 'fat knight' springs to life in glorious technicolour. The spirit (and at times the melodies themselves!) of the Pomp and Circumstance Marches are firmly to the fore in the Funeral March from Grania and Diarmid and The King's Way; Roderick Williams (always at his finest in English song) is on characteristically engaging and classy form in the latter"

"Editor's choice: This is Andrew Davis's third recording of Elgar's Falstaff. It is, not to beat about the bush, a superbly perceptive traversal, evincing a strength of purpose, emotional candour and meticulous attention to detail that give it the edge over its notable predecessors ... All told, a terrific anthology, and absolutely not to missed"

"Although this disc has the symphonic study Falstaff as its principal offering, the couplings offer great interest. The performance of Falstaff itself is very idiomatic indeed. Davis finds huge detail ... There is tenderness, too ... The BBC Philharmonic sounding burnished and lush ... Davis has a fervour that confirms Falstaff as first-rank Elgar. Baritone Roderick Williams has just the right voice for the three restrained Op 59 songs, while the two of Op 60 ... burst with power and nobility. All of the vocal contributions are sterling"

"The performances of the songs are ardent, warm and full of conviction. As ever Roderick Williams sounds completely on the composer's side. But after Falstaff it's all too clear that they really aren't top drawer Elgar. Falstaff may only shine in parts, but when it does shine it's captivating ... A fine effort all round, recording very much included, but perhaps not the ideal present for an Elgar-phobic"