For years the only CD recording of the Bax
Phantasy for Viola and Orchestra (originally
Viola Concerto) was the Conifer Label version with Rivka Golani (viola) and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vernon Handley coupled with the Tertis viola version of Elgar's Cello Concerto.
Then Dutton and Chandos gave us alternative versions. I own all three.
There is now a fourth version due to be released including, what I think is, the fourth CD version of Vaughan Williams'
Suite for Viola and Orchestra (Chandos, Dutton and Hyperion). I also own all three.
See:
https://www.mdt.co.uk/english-works-for-viola-and-orchestra-hong-mei-xiao-delos.htmlMuch as I enjoy the Bax, unless I am persuaded the new version is exceptional, I will not be tempted. Nonetheless, in my opinion, it is good to see such an attractive work being given wider currency together with, what I assume is, largely unknown Vaughan Williams.