The “symphonie choréographique” Daphnis et Chloé by French composer Maurice Ravel was commissioned as a ballet by Sergei Diaghilev for the latter’s Ballets Russes, premiering in Paris in 1912. One of several masterpieces that came about through Diaghilev’s sharp ear for talent, it is most often played in concert – sometimes in a short orchestral suite form. Here we have the complete score with orchestra and wordless chorus, which has been recorded many times. Inevitably, this review will inspire specific comparisons.

The British conductor John Wilson and his hand-picked orchestra, the Sinfonia of London, have produced several exciting recordings for Chandos. Some have included rare repertoire that truly benefited from a fresh, new outing: Dutilleux’s ballet Le Loup and Bliss’s Music for Strings are two examples. Recently the team have embarked on a series of Ravel’s orchestral music – a much more competitive field. So how does this release fare?

The usual approach of Wilson and his band is evident. It is a mixture of precision, excitement, often sheer velocity, and rhythmically sharp point, all reproduced...