Elgar: Pomp & Circumstance Marches; Enigma Variations; Cockaigne Overture [Original recording remastered]

Edward Elgar (Composer), Adrian Boult (Conductor), John Barbirolli (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Adrian Boult, John Barbirolli
• Composer: Edward Elgar
• Audio CD (October 17, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: EMI / Seraphim
• ASIN: B000000UVS
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #118,742 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

74 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't let the price fool you... This is a WONDERFUL album!, November 9, 2002

By 

P. Kingsriter "R.N. Guy" (Lakeville, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Elgar: Pomp & Circumstance Marches; Enigma Variations; Cockaigne Overture (Audio CD)

I knew I was getting a bargain [price] when I purchased this CD, but I'm happy to say both musically and technically, it's knocked my socks off! The warmth and vigor with which the London Symphony Orchestra (no slouchy establishment, needless to say) interprets and delivers Elgar's lush compositions is remarkable. What impressed me most, however, is the quality of the recording itself. The stereo separation of the instruments simulates sitting on the front row of an orchestra hall nearly perfectly, and the sound is crisp and clear. Priced under [small amt], this was a welcome suprise and bonus!

If you have yet to experience Sir Edward Elgar's works and you enjoy orchestral music, please do yourself a favor and purchase this album. You'll be rewarded with Elgar's charming, passionate creations. His variations are at times both robust and delicate, powerful and tender, witty and affectionate, as each variation is crafted after and named for one of Elgar's acquaintences, including his wife.

The liner notes sum up this album's work nicely by quoting critic Neville Cardus: "I feel that Elgar's music is usually either opening something or closing something institutional... we have in Elgar the laureate rather than the poet." And you couldn't have a better introduction to "the laureate" than through this collection.

P.S. Did I mention the Pomp & Circumstance Marches? Truly impressive. The "one" we all know is but a small portion of March #1. It is one of the most recognizable themes in the world of music. I couldn't help but hear in the back of my mind, "But wait! There's more!" And they're all worth hearing!

23 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unbeatable at this Price, April 20, 2000

By 

KH (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elgar: Pomp & Circumstance Marches; Enigma Variations; Cockaigne Overture (Audio CD)

After Monteux's recording of the "Enigma" (on London/Decca), I would rank Boult's as my next favorite performance. The recorded sound could hardly be surpassed today; the performance is "right" in every respect--everything is given its due, nothing is exaggerated; truly Boult was the conductor of the golden mean! Likewise, his P & C Marches go to the top of the list--they have swagger and bravado, yet at the same time a more serious, sober side too; again, sound is flawless.

Sound is a little more dated for the Barbirolli performance of the overture, but there's never been a better performance--Sir John lived in the London Town of the Edwardian era, when this music was written, and he captures its spirit like no one else.

For this meagre price, what are you waiting for!

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than Pomp, May 25, 2003

By 

Veronica Bennett (Wilmington, Ca United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Elgar: Pomp & Circumstance Marches; Enigma Variations; Cockaigne Overture (Audio CD)

This compendium of Elgar's music is beautiful and powerful. The familiar tune of Pomp and Circumstance is played in its most beautiful entirety. And while it is familiar, it is just one of many pieces that are filled with passion and feeling.