Customer Reviews

Elgar: Pomp & Circumstance Marches; Enigma Variations; Cockaigne Overture

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

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!

Everybody who ever graduated from high school knows the first Pomp and Circumstance march. what they dont know is that there were four others just as good if not better than the first. This is a great collection of pieces by Elgar to have.

This is a truly superb recording.Full of Drama yet by contrast warm and passionate.One of the finest examples I have ever heard. I cannot recommend this highly enough.It is a must for any collector.Enjoy it.

When it came to performing Elgar and Vaughan Williams, both Boult and Barbirolli were in a class by themselves. I doubt if you will hear a better Enigma Variations this century. Sumptous sound is prevalent in this outstanding entry in the budget-priced Seraphim series.

This is not some schlock budget disc, which the price might suggest. Boult was one of the great Elgar interpretors (Barbirolli too) and these performances, especially the inspired Enigma Variations, bring out the very soul of Elgar. Sound quality, by the way, is excellent--warm and rich analog glow.

You just can't go wrong with this compilation of Elgar works and this super-cheap price. The performances are full-priced quality. This is a great introduction to Elgar CD. The Enigma Variations will bring tears to your eyes!

I stumbled across this little gem for the low price of about $3.00. I almost kept going assuming that the price was an indication of the quality. Glad I looked twice.

This is a wonderful album with respectful treatments and excellent sound quality, performed by the some of the greatest musicians in the world from the London Symphony Orchestra, the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonica Orchestra.

The Enigma Variations, a Theme and 15 short orchestrations that Sir Edward then named after his friends and family based on personality traits, are a wonderful, uncelebrated Opus. I love these pieces. They truly showcase the power of Elgar's compositional style and flair. They certainly rival his more famous Pomp and Circumstance, in my humble opinion. The recording is sharp, well mixed, with no perceivable noise.

As for the Pomp and Circumstance recordings, well done throughout. All 5 pieces are played wonderfully and recorded beautifully with excellent sound mixing and very little, if any, background noise.

Cockaigne Overture is, once again, perfect. Marvelous treatment, wonderful musicianship, excellent sound and quality.

THIS HAS GOT TO BE THE GREATEST MUSICAL VALUE ON THE SHELVES RIGHT NOW. I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE I ONLY PAID $3.00 FOR THIS RECORDING. I WOULD HAVE GLADLY SHELLED OUT THE OBLIGATORY $15.00 - $20.00 CONSIDERING THE QUALITY OF THIS CD.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS, YOU MUST BUY RIGHT NOW, BEFORE THEY COME TO THEIR SENSES AND RAISE THE PRICE!