Customer Reviews

Elgar: Enigma Variations; In the South; Coronation March

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

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I think that, the star of this CD's is, Elgar's beautiful work "In the South". This is one of the best performance of this work. "Enigma" is very good, too. And there is a not too known work "Coronation March", and still, this is a noble music.

"In the South" is a overture as written by the composer, but, I suppose, this is a symphonic poem more than a overture with has a programme. He written in his holiday on one of the Italy's south towns, Alassio. In the opening of work, there is a majestic and powerful prelude in E-flat Major, then, with a contrast, there is a more peaciful new passage in the pastoral tone F-Major, and this passage pictures a countryside scene, mountains, lakes landscapes...And then, the orchestra starts a new passage, coming with crescendo and there is a Circus Games scene with gladiators in Colliseum. This is a massive passage written with 5th intervals. And later, the music continues with a calm passage again and there is a Viola Solo (as like Berlioz's Harold in Italy) playing a famous Neapoliten Song. And then music returns the majestic main theme and finishs with a noble and brilliant coda.

Naxos released a very good Elgar's orchestral works collection. Highly recommended.