2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Scrupulous, December 16, 2008
This review is from: Elgar & Delius: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)
This is one of the many historical titles that Naxos withdrew from the American market as part of its settlement of a copyright lawsuit with EMI. Albert Sammons was the dedicatee of the Delius Concerto, and it is hard to imagine a better performance. It is subtle and moving, even gentle when required. Malcolm Sargent directs a splendid accompaniment, and the 1944 sound engineering is quite listenable. Isaac Stern wore out several copies of this recording on 78's, high testimony to its accomplishment. As for the Elgar, it was the first complete recording of the score. Sammons had already recorded an abridged version during the days of acoustical recording. The 1929 sound engineering isn't always kind to the orchestra, which only comes through clearly in the tuttis. Nevertheless, Sammons's performance is a touchstone for this work, filled with romance and wistfulness. Henry Wood's accompaniment, such as can be heard, is brisk and occasionally brusque. One wishes from this CD that Sammons's discography was more generally available.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The first recording was best, May 22, 2011
This review is from: Elgar & Delius: Violin Concertos (Audio CD)
Albert Sammons was the first to record the Elgar, a magnificent and immense work, and the performance and collaboration holds up against all comers. Violinist, orchestra and conductor get to the heart of the music -- actually they seem to embody it, (perhaps it runs in their bloodstream,) and it makes their rendition unmatchable.
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