Hubert Clifford (1904-1959) left Australia for England to study with Vaughan Williams, and there he remained to make his career. His Symphony 1940 is primarily a tonal work, though it relies on motivic ideas rather than "tunes". Syncopated timpani strokes and Waltonian brass chords start the first movement, which leaps into action with a swagger not unlike Richard Strauss' Don Juan. Hints of Sibelius flavor the development section, its long suspension building to a mighty climax; the scherzo's trio dances to what sounds like a Latin beat. Wagnerian string shimmerings color the seagoing adagio, and a big, outdoor-type finale, based on a jazzy rhythm makes for an exciting ending. John Gough's (1903-1951) lovely (but brief) Serenade is a relaxing piece that belongs on everybody's stress-buster list. Vernon Handley's masterful conducting brings these scores fully to life, as does the committed playing of the BBC Philharmonic. Chandos provides fabulous sound.