Customer Reviews

Edward Elgar

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Alexander Gibson and Scottish National Orchestra give superb performances of Enigma Variations and Pomp and Circumstance Marches. They play each variation with noble poise and genuine emotional involvement, without losing perspective on the whole structure of the work. They don't fall into the temptation to over-cook the characterization but let the music speak for itself eloquently.

Disc 2 includes equally memorable performances of popular Elgar miniatures and rarely played gems like Soliloquy for oboe, Chanson de nuit (one of the most sublime melodies by Elgar) and Sursum corda. Norman Del Mar and George Hurst conducts Bournemouth Sinfonietta with genuine affection and finesse.

This is a 2-disc set that features many of Edward Elgar's more relaxing works. One disc contains the Enigma Variations and the Pomp and Circumstance pieces. The other disc contains all the other works; many of which are less well known to classical music fans. It is this second CD that I found interesting. The selection of music is large, with excerpts from a dozen works and a CD duration of over an hour. The music is melodious and soft; good to listen to while reading or eating. The new set price is high though; I suggest buying a good used copy.