There are still pockets of musical snobs who want to keep Elgar's two symphonies for the English, and off the worldwide roll call of orchestral masterpieces. Yet a steady line of international conductors - from Solti and Svetlanov to Haitink and Previn - has proved them the adventurous equal of anniversary composer Mahler's symphonic giants.

Following last week's new music CDs round-up, The Arts Desk introduces our monthly pick of the latest classical music CDs, ranging from vocal showpieces and rare opera to viola transcriptions and string quartets.