Grieg's music has everything: gorgeous melodies, beautiful orchestration and a rich and wide range of emotion. And all these come together in the music for Peer Gynt. Ole Kristian Ruud and the Bergen Philharmonic are in the midst of a Grieg series and it has produced some magical releases. I know that in recommending this album I'll be starting you off on a voyage of discovery — and that's a thrilling prospect. All the favourite moments from Peer Gynt are here and it's not hard to realise why Grieg is such a popular composer. The sound is glorious and the playing of the Bergen ensemble so sympathetic that I defy you to listen and resist a smile creeping over your face. Here's undemanding music that does exactly what it sets out to — and succeeds superbly!