4.0 out of 5 stars
there are diamonds in the rough, November 29, 2009
This review is from: Lyrita Classics (Audio CD)
It seems as though Lyrita couldn't make up its mind when it came to programming this disc. It has the unfortunate components of what one thinks of as "British Light Classics" - a single variation from Elgar's Enigma Variations, a Pomp & Circumstance March and some other bon bon-type fare (e.g. Lord Berner's The Triumph of Neptune, less than two minutes?) that basically clutter up what is otherwise a very fine program. There's Imogen Holst's benchmark recording of her father's St. Paul's Suite, lovely readings of Delius's Walk to the Paradise Garden conducted by Myer Fredman and Grainger's Immovable Do from Nicholas Braithwaite, and Peter Warlock's Capriol Suite, also from Braithwaite. This is all substantial and enjoyable stuff.
The crowning achievement here, however, is Adrian Boult's majestic 1970 reading of Vaughan William's Tallis Fantasia, which has long been out of circulation. Fine as Boult's reading is on EMI, this recording for Lyrita has grandeur, magic and mystery that is unique. Barbirolli's classic EMI recording sounds almost thin by comparison.
I'm awarding four stars to this disc (shame on Lyrita for programming such a mishmash) even though there's plenty of five star material here. I'm planning to download to itunes and burn a disc sans the fluff and recommend you do the same.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
