Customer Reviews

Symphony 1 / Cockaigne / Concert Overture

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

 

 

For me the Elgar 1 is the quintessential English symphony ever written. I am passionate about the true nobility and flawless musical flow of the composition. I once owned the LP version by Sir John on the Seraphim label but donated it years ago to my local library. In recent weeks I have purchased similar CD's conducted by Hurst and Boult, but I am convinced that no other interpretation penetrates the heart and Romantic English canon of this work as that woven by Barbirolli and the Philharmonia.

When it comes to Elgar Symphonies, don't look any further than EMI's "British Composers" Series. It has arguably the three best pairs of the two symphonies ever recorded -- Elgar's own mono recordings from the 30s (which sound incredible!), Boult's with the LPO, and Sir John Barbirolli's stereo set, from which this CD belongs. This is not his 1956 version with the Halle Orchestra, but instead the 1962 performance with the Philharmonia Orchestra. Even though JB's not playing with his normal lads from Manchester, this is one for the record books -- a truly remarkable performance. Toss in a first rate performance of the Cockaigne Concert Overture and you have an essential disc.