‘Andrew Penny’s recorded performances of the first two symphonies are no mean achievement. The playing has spirited spontaneity and it is to be hoped that this well-recorded Naxos disc will tempt many music lovers with limited budgets to discover these highly rewarding works for themselves.’
– Gramophone

‘Andrew Penny and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland are particularly good at making sense of Arnold’s quixotic changes of mood.’
– Classic CD

‘Andrew Penny leads Dublin’s premiere orchestra in readings that bring out the full dramatic and poetic contrasts of these very differing works.’
– Fanfare

‘The Naxos sound is clear and well defined … Penny recorded the Third and Fourth Symphonies in June 1996, with the composer in attendance. One could hardly ask for more authoritative readings. In fact, they are among the best Naxos recordings I’ve heard, so one can hardly go wrong with them.’
– Classical Candor

‘Andrew Penny draws fine, concentrated playing from the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, with brass and percussion in particular brilliantly caught … this wins the highest recommendation.’
– The Penguin Guide ★★★

‘Andrew Penny’s Arnold symphony recordings [contain] an intimacy and a tension that is sometimes ethereal. Penny’s Fifth is a gripping, Mahlerian journey.’
– American Record Guide

‘Penny and the Irish Orchestra gain from the extra clarity of the recording, full and open, bringing out inner detail in often-heavy textures, with dramatic contrasts sharply terraced … these are works that plainly invite the attention not only of those who already enjoy Arnold’s music, but of any collector who enjoys a challenge.’
– Gramophone

‘Naxos [offers] a better-balanced recording … Penny’s Irish players offer a better picture of the music, thanks to a more sensitive and coherent sense of ensemble.’
– ClassicsToday.com

‘I was impressed enough by the first of Andrew Penny’s Arnold discs for Naxos, coupling Nos. 1 and 2, but this is far finer, for he draws not just a concentrated, consistently committed performance from the Irish players, but a warmly resonant one, with the strings sounding glorious and the woodwind and brass consistently brilliant. The recording is rich and full.’
– Gramophone

‘Naxos have pulled off a real coup being the first to record his latest symphony, the Ninth … A very remarkable achievement.’
– Classic CD ★★★★★

BONUS: Sir Malcolm Arnold in Conversation with Andrew Penny

‘The advantage this Naxos disc enjoys is the inclusion of the four Welsh Dances … They remain perennial favourites, and Andrew Penny and the Queensland Orchestra present them with their colours gleaming. These performances have the composer’s imprimatur (he was present at the recording sessions) and can be cordially recommended.’
– The Penguin Guide

‘The Queensland Symphony seems to be an excellent ensemble … Andrew Penny leads his charges with confidence and elan. The sound image hints at concert hall realism.’
– American Record Guide