Album: Gustavo Dudamel, Discoveries (Deutsche Grammophon)

This compilation of highlights drawn predominantly from Gustavo Dudamel's stewardship of the Simón Bolivar's Symphony Orchestra opts for high-octane passages such as the opening movement of Beethoven's 5th and the "Danse Sacrale" from Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring, with pieces from Arturo Márquez and Silvestre Revueltas – notably the latter's fiery "Noche de Jaranas" from La Noche de Los Mayas – establishing the orchestra's Latin American origins.

But the sheer gusto with which they attack the "Danse Russe" from The Nutcracker is exhilarating enough; and following it with the Gothenburg Symphony's scherzo from Bruckner's 9th demonstrates how ably Dudamel transfers his energy to another vehicle. 

Download: Nutcracker Suite, Danse Russe; Symphony No 9, Scherzo; Danse Sacrale