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"(The Symphony is) a masterpiece of expressivity and poise ... under Mann's insightful direction the Latvian orchestra produce a fizzing account ... the performances all round are sensitive and sympathetic, caught in very good sound ... warmly recommended." - Gramophone "... the Symphony is a wonderful find ... it begins in quiet contemplation before opening out into Sibelian brass and strings ... all the performers do a sterling job with music that must have been new to them ... I enjoyed each work on this disc, but the slow movement from the Symphony really stands out." - MusicWeb International "Four Stars ... remarkable ... the Liepaja players unearth the dark thread that runs under the uneasy vitality of the Symphony’s outer movements and move us with the grief of its central andante ... (Solberg's) accessible Good Friday Meditation is beautifully sung here, while examples of his muscular organ works are played with authority by Tim Collins ..." - The Guardian This recording commemorates the 100th birthday of Norwegian composer and organist Leif Solberg and features at its heart his only symphony. His catalogue of orchestral works is regrettably short, but the piece is considered among the most compelling symphonies of the post-War years. Emotionally engaging, intensely dramatic and beautifully written, it confirms the contrapuntal mastery evident in his magisterial organ music, investing it with a touch of sardonic humour and the dancing rhythms of Norwegian folk songs. The choral Good Friday Meditation, by contrast, points to the lyrical side of his muse. Paul Mann leads the Liepaja Symphony Orchestra, joined by Tim Collins at the organ, the Solberg Centenary Singers and soloists.