Elgar: Enigma Variations; In the South; Coronation March

Edward Elgar (Composer), George Hurst (Conductor), Bournemouth Sinfonietta (Orchestra), Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Bournemouth Sinfonietta, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: George Hurst
• Composer: Edward Elgar
• Audio CD (June 23, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Naxos
• ASIN: B0000060CF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #459,180 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Energetic Elgar, August 31, 2002

By 

David Dennis "David Dennis" (San Mateo, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elgar: Enigma Variations; In the South; Coronation March (Audio CD)

George Hurst and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra turn in an exceptionally energetic and balanced performance of the Enigma Variations, the equal of any other on disk and better than quite a few (e.g. Jochum, Stokowski, Mackerras). This reading is simultaneously lively, when called for, and subtle, when needed. On top of all this, the sonics are excellent.

That being said, those who are restricted in their perception of a 'proper' Engima Variations as being stodgy, slow, and moldy probably won't like these renditions. Those who think Fabio Biondi's take on Vivaldi is refreshing, or who enjoy the sensation of a truly live performance, will like this CD. Those who prefer their classical to be compressed and easy-listening wallpaper, will not.

Rated 3 stars (out of 3) by the Penguin Guide, this is an excellent additional interpretation for those who already own a copy of the Enigma Varations. And, for those looking for a first time experience of these famous Elgar works, this CD can be highly recommended, especially at this price.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comparative Review v. Solti, July 18, 2009

By 

Karl W. Nehring (Ostrander, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Elgar: Enigma Variations; In the South; Coronation March (Audio CD)

These are two good performances and recordings, and I quite enjoyed listening to both of them. Both performances are fleet and spirited, which is the way I like to hear this music presented, and the timings in the individual movements are within a few seconds of each other in every case, and for some movements, identical. But enough beating around the bush--I would definitely recommend the Naxos CD over the London, for three main reasons.

First, although the sound on both recordings is very good, the Naxos recording struck these ears as a bit more dynamic and more emphatic on the bottom end. The London recording (pulled together from live concert performances) is very good, but the Naxos studio recording is a bit better.

Second, I generally prefer CDs that feature filler pieces by the same composer over those that mix composers. The Naxos recording is filled out by Elgar's In the South and Coronation March, while the London recording features Kodaly's Variations on a Hungarian Folksong ("The Peacock") and Boris Blacher's Variations on a Theme of Paganini. Yes, it was interesting to encounter the Blacher piece, one I had never heard before, but when I want to listen to Elgar, I want to listen to Elgar.

Third, and most crushingly in favor of the Naxos CD, I bought it brand new for $5.99, while a used copy of the London cost me more than that--were it a brand-new copy, I would most likely have had to pay 14 or 15 bucks for it. The Naxos CD will stay in my collection, while the London has been relegated to the pile that will soon be on its way back to Used Kids.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Elgar masterpieces in rushed performances, April 30, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Richfield, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Elgar: Enigma Variations; In the South; Coronation March (Audio CD)

Hurst's recording of the First Elgar Symphony is one of the glories of the Naxos catalog-warmly expressive, full-bodied and glorious. His Enigma, though, seems rushed and in a hurry. There seems to be no feeling of noblimente which is such a part of Elgar's style. The same goes for "In the South"-there is a tendency again to play too fast and there is something lost in atmosphere. The sound quality, though is good, although, some detail is lost. The orchestra is very good.