In the present recordings of Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 1 in C and 3 in E-flat ("Eroica") with the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, Philippe Herreweghe shows himself completely in command of all the resources of a large symphony orchestra. And he shows us something else. He knows his Beethoven. Hopefully much more is to come from this fruitful synergy of musical forces. Very highly recommended! The performances are superb.

This Hyperion's release reaches Belgium and the music of Joseph Jongen, a composer more celebrated for his organ music now, but who was equally admired in his day for his orchestral and chamber works. On this new album Philippe Graffin collaborates with the Royal Flemish Philharmonic and Martyn Brabbins in Jongen's Violin Concerto, one of the composer's first substantial works. Also included are other works for violin and orchestra, and a Rapsodie by Italian Romantic Sylvio Lazzari who was influenced - as was Jongen - by the music of Cesar Franck.