Tags
Language
Tags
March 2024
Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa
25 26 27 28 29 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31 1 2 3 4 5 6

William Boughton, English SO - Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations, Cockaigne and Froissart Overtures (1989)

Posted By: Designol
William Boughton, English SO - Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations, Cockaigne and Froissart Overtures (1989)

Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations; Cockaigne and Froissart Overtures (1989)
English Symphony Orchestra, conducted by William Boughton

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 229 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 158 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Nimbus Records | # NI 5206 | Time: 01:00:26

There are basically two ways in which conductors may approach the Enigma Variations. Either they can take the music at its face value, treating the set of variations as a symphonically developed whole; or they can treat the work as a series of miniature character sketches of Elgar’s “friends pictured within”, highlighting the personalities of the miscellaneous collection of individuals involved. William Boughton in this reading opts for the second option, and the result bubbles with life.

Piers Lane; Goldner String Quartet - Edward Elgar: Piano Quintet & String Quartet (2011)

Posted By: Designol
Piers Lane; Goldner String Quartet - Edward Elgar: Piano Quintet & String Quartet (2011)

Piers Lane; Goldner String Quartet - Edward Elgar: Piano Quintet & String Quartet (2011)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 291 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 179 Mb | Artwork included
Genre: Classical | Label: Hyperion | # CDA 67857 | Time: 01:17:58

GRAMOPHONE CRITICS' CHOICE 2011. BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE DISC OF THE MONTH. Inspired by the rural beauty of the surroundings at his country retreat in 1917, Edward Elgar embarked on the composition of some of his most inspired and imaginative chamber works. Both the String Quartet and the Piano Quintet are works of great depth and elegance. Their conservative style disregards the compositional trends of the time and displays an unabashed late-romanticism. Elgar wrote: ‘It is full of golden sounds and I like it. But you must not expect anything violently chromatic or cubist.’ The disc features sumptuous playing from the acclaimed Goldner String Quartet, who are joined by pianist Piers Lane for Elgar’s sublime Piano Quintet, a large-scale work of almost orchestral sonority. These masterpieces are accompanied by four previously unrecorded works for solo piano, the last of which was written by Elgar at the age of 72. They are intimate, charming rarities, superbly performed by Lane.

Sol Gabetta, Berliner Philharmoniker - Live: Edward Elgar & Bohuslav Martinu: Cello Concertos (2016)

Posted By: Designol
Sol Gabetta, Berliner Philharmoniker - Live: Edward Elgar & Bohuslav Martinu: Cello Concertos (2016)

Sol Gabetta - Live: Edward Elgar & Bohuslav Martinů: Cello Concertos (2016)
with Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle & Krzysztof Urbański

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 242 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 134 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Sony Classical | # 88985350792 | Time: 00:55:45

Sol Gabetta’s first recording of the Elgar Cello Concerto, with the Danish National Symphony, was much admired when it appeared six years ago. This one, taken from a concert in the Baden-Baden Festspielhaus in 2014, is a far glossier affair orchestrally. Simon Rattle’s tendency to overmould the phrasing is sometimes too obvious, but Gabetta’s playing is intense and searching, less introspective than some performances in the Adagio, perhaps, but epic in scale in the outer movements, and always keenly responsive. Those who possess her earlier disc might not think they need to invest in this one, but would then miss Gabetta’s vivid, pulsating account of the Martinů concerto, which went through a quarter of a century of revisions before the definitive 1955 version she plays here, with Krysztof Urbański conducting. She finds real depth and intensity in it, both in the slow movement and in the introspective episode that interrupts the finale’s headlong rush.

Jacqueline du Pré - Elgar, Priaulx Rainier: Cello Concertos, Rubbra: Cello Sonata (2008)

Posted By: tirexiss
Jacqueline du Pré - Elgar, Priaulx Rainier: Cello Concertos, Rubbra: Cello Sonata (2008)

Jacqueline du Pré - Elgar, Priaulx Rainier: Cello Concertos, Rubbra: Cello Sonata (2008)
EAC | APE (image+.cue, log) | Covers Included | 73:47 | 351 MB
Genre: Classical | Label: BBC Legends | Catalog: BBCL 4244-2

Cellist Jacqueline du Pré needs little introduction to most listeners. Whether as a result of being perhaps the most prominent female cellist in the last century, her meteoric rise to fame at a young age, the equally rapid decline of her career at the hands of multiple sclerosis, or simply the incredible passion with which she performed, du Pré possessed a singular capacity to make an impression on her audiences. She was single-handedly responsible for reviving the long-dormant Elgar concerto that was to become one of her trademark pieces.

Philippe Graffin, Vernon Handley - Elgar: Violin Concerto / Chausson: Poème (2006)

Posted By: tirexiss
Philippe Graffin, Vernon Handley - Elgar: Violin Concerto / Chausson: Poème (2006)

Philippe Graffin, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vernon Handley - Elgar: Violin Concerto / Chausson: Poème (2006)
WEB | FLAC (tracks) - 276 MB | 01:02:16
Genre: Classical | Label: Avie

Listeners will likely finish this recording of the Elgar violin concerto and feel at least a little conflicted. There are moments of austere beauty and exquisite sound quality that are sadly juxtaposed by periods of poor intonation and curious articulation choices. The first movement opens with an extended orchestral tutti for which the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and conductor Vernon Handley deserve praise. The orchestra provides a powerful, rich, and extremely sensitive backdrop throughout the recording that simply cannot be faulted.

Yehudi Menuhin, RPO - Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations; In the South (Alassio); Pomp & Circumstances March No.4 (1994)

Posted By: Designol
Yehudi Menuhin, RPO - Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations; In the South (Alassio); Pomp & Circumstances March No.4 (1994)

Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations, Op. 36; In the South (Alassio), Op. 50;
Pomp & Circumstances March No.4 in G Op. 39 (1994)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Yehudi Menuhin

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 282 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 155 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Centurion Music Ltd. | # 204418-201 | Time: 00:59:23

Royal PO's performance is outstanding in many ways. Menuhin has deep understanding of Elgar's music and its innermost yearning. Every movement displays his genuine affinity with the inspiration and characterisation of the music. Tempi are perfectly judged throughout, the famous 9th variation Nimrod, for example, is neither too fast nor too slow, achieving maximum grandeur and dramatic effect without losing forward momentum. The fast variations are bursting with energy and verve, the slow variations are played with amazing subtlely and heart warming intimacy. The additional organ in the last variation amplifies the scale of the monumental finale.

Anne Gastinel - Elgar, Barber: Cello Concertos (2003)

Posted By: tirexiss
Anne Gastinel - Elgar, Barber: Cello Concertos (2003)

Anne Gastinel - Elgar, Barber: Cello Concertos (2003)
WEB | FLAC (tracks) - 256 MB | 53:46
Genre: Classical | Label: Naive

Not since Yo-yo made his recording back in 1990 has there been such power and precision displayed in a recording of the Barber Cello Concerto, and she practically glides through phrases where other famous soloists (I'm looking at you, Kirschbaum) struggle to stay afloat. My favorite and, dare I say, the definitive performance of my favorite cello concerto.

Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Metamorphosen Berlin - Very British: Elgar, Britten, Warlock, Jenkins (2021)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Metamorphosen Berlin - Very British: Elgar, Britten, Warlock, Jenkins (2021)

Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt, Metamorphosen Berlin - Very British: Elgar, Britten, Warlock, Jenkins (2021)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 310 Mb | Total time: 78:07 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Sony Classical | # 19439873312 | Recorded: 2019, 2020

The new recording is entirely dedicated to British music and offers a great selection of works by famous but also lesser-known composers: recorded are works by Edward Elgar (1857-1934), Benjamin Britten (1913-1976), Peter Warlock (1894-1930) and Karl Jenkins (b. 1944). The album opens with the earliest masterpiece, the famous Serenade in E minor for string orchestra by Edward Elgar, one of the greatest British composers and leading European composers of his generation. Among the hallmarks of Elgar's compositions are ingratiating character pieces that often share elements with English folk music.

London PO, Richard Armstrong - Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations, Serenade, Intro & Allegro (1986) Reissue 1995

Posted By: Designol
London PO, Richard Armstrong - Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations, Serenade, Intro & Allegro (1986) Reissue 1995

Edward Elgar: Enigma Variations, Serenade, Intro & Allegro (1986) Reissue 1995
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Richard Armstrong

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 222 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 142 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: Belart | # 461 112-2 10 | Time: 00:58:21

Of all England's living Knight-Conductors, Richard Armstrong is perhaps least represented on record. For 13 years, director of the Welsh National opera, he is best known for his work in that medium with just a handful of recordings.
In 1986, Marks and Spencer the famous department store decided to make its own in-house recording of the Enigma Variations coupled with the Introduction and Allegro and Serenade for Strings and booked Armstrong into EMI's Abbey Road Studios in July with the London Philharmonic to record this disc. The London Philharmonic had this music in its bones by then thanks to Adrian Boult and others, but Armstrong coaxed versions from them that are uniquely his own. Midway between Boult and Barbirolli, Armstrong's interpretations are scrupulously played but also at moments energetic, thoughtful and above all heartfelt. You get the feeling this conductors connects with the music.

Halle Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli - Edward Elgar: Cello Concerto, Enigma Variations, Introduction and Allegro, Elegy (1991)

Posted By: Designol
Halle Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli - Edward Elgar: Cello Concerto, Enigma Variations, Introduction and Allegro, Elegy (1991)

Edward Elgar: Cello Concerto, Enigma Variations, Introduction and Allegro, Elegy (1991)
Hallé Orchestra, conducted by Sir John Barbirolli; André Navarra, cello

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 347 Mb | Mp3 (CBR320) ~ 203 Mb | Scans included
Genre: Classical | Label: EMI | # CDM 7639552 | Time: 01:13:08

Barbirolli made later recordings of all the works on this CD and these have become cornerstones of the catalogue. These are earlier recordings that he did with his own orchestra, the Halle, in the 1950s. To start with, the recording quality is pretty amazing. They were recorded on 35mm film tape rather than half inch recording tape by the Mercury team and have astonishing immediacy and amazingly lifelike. Barbirolli uses an organ in the finale of the Enigma Variations. The recording is a little bass heavy but this is a small caveat. For people who consider Barbirolli to be a bit indulgent as a conductor, these recordings may come as a surprise. The performances are very direct and nicely flowing. They therefore complement rather than compete with the later recordings. Of course, Barbirolli's later recording of the Cello Concerto with Jacqueline du Pre is a very famous and special rendition of the work. However, it is not without its detractors. Andre Navarra, by contrast, plays with golden tone. He plays gorgeously. Highly recommended.

Nikolaj Znaider, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis - Elgar: Violin Concerto (2010)

Posted By: tirexiss
Nikolaj Znaider, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis - Elgar: Violin Concerto (2010)

Nikolaj Znaider, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis - Elgar Violin Concerto (2010)
WEB | FLAC (tracks) - 236 MB | 49:23
Genre: Classical | Label: RCA Red Seal

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the world premiere of Elgar’s Violin Concerto which took place on 10 November 1910 and was conducted by the composer himself, celebrated Danish violinist Nikolaj Znaider has recorded the concerto on the very same instrument that Kreisler performed the premiere: this is the first account on disc using this very special violin, a 1741 Guarneri del Gesu. Znaider will also tour the work globally throughout 2010 and will perform the Concerto with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Colin Davis on 10 November 2010 at London’s Barbican Concert Hall – the anniversary to the day of the world premiere.

Halle Orchestra & Choir, Sir John Barbirolli, Soloists - Edward Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 (1999) 2 CDs

Posted By: Designol
Halle Orchestra & Choir, Sir John Barbirolli, Soloists - Edward Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 (1999) 2 CDs

Edward Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38 (1999) 2 CDs
Richard Lewis, tenor; Dame Janet Baker, mezzo-soprano; Kim Borg, bass
Hallé Orchestra & Choir; Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus; Ambrosian Singers;
conducted by Sir John Barbirolli

EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue&Log) ~ 488 Mb | Scans included | Time: 01:38:16
Classical, Choral, Oratorio | Label: EMI | # 7243 5 73579 2 0

'The Dream of Gerontius' is probably Edward Elgar's masterpiece and certainly one of the glories of the English oratorio tradition. A setting of Cardinal Newman's poem about a man's death and the journey of his soul toward heaven, it is one of the most heartwarming affirmations of faith and salvation in all of music and also a work of great intensity and passion, influenced by both Mahler and Italian opera. Several great British conductors have left their mark on 'Gerontius,' but none was more strongly associated with it than Sir John Barbirolli, who directed it many times before making this famous recording, which he regarded as a testament of his own faith, in 1964. While Barbirolli's Halle Orchestra and the combined choirs distinguish themselves mightily, the crowning asset of this vividly dramatic reading is Janet Baker's glowing performance as the Angel, a breath of life which makes an already powerful experience unforgettable.

Douglas Bostock - The British Symphonic Collection [10CDs] (2012)

Posted By: ArlegZ
Douglas Bostock - The British Symphonic Collection [10CDs] (2012)

Douglas Bostock - The British Symphonic Collection [10CDs] (2012)
XLD | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 2.87 Gb | Total time: 07:16:43 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Classico | # 233316 | Recorded: 1998-2005

This 10-CD box set of British orchestral music brings together a mouth-watering selection from the enterprising series of discs that the English conductor Douglas Bostock has made with various orchestras for the Classico label.
Important British composers are certainly featured - there are CDs devoted to Elgar, Holst, Vaughan Williams, Bax and Arnold - but this imaginative collection also includes many surprises, just waiting to be discovered, such as symphonies by Frederic Cowen and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Alan Bush and Ruth Gipps, concertos for orchestra by Edward Gregson, Alun Hoddinott and John McCabe, plus a host of smaller works. The recordings here, many world premieres, date from 1998 to 2005.

Jacqueline Du Pré - Les introuvables de Jacqueline Du Pré, Vol. 1 (1994)

Posted By: tirexiss
Jacqueline Du Pré - Les introuvables de Jacqueline Du Pré, Vol. 1 (1994)

Jacqueline Du Pré - Les introuvables de Jacqueline Du Pré, Vol. 1 (1994)
EAC | FLAC (image+.cue, log) | Covers Included | 03:48:28 | 1.2 Gb
Genre: Classical | Label: EMI Classics | Catalog: 7243 5 68133 2 8

Widely regarded as the definitive interpretation of the Elgar Cello Concerto, Jacqueline Du Pré's landmark 1965 recording of it is included in this unique compilation. Extending the musical range of the cello repertoire, from fine, exquisite cello suites by Bach to grand orchestral visions of Dvorák and Saint-Saëns, this CD set is not to be missed by fans of Du Pré's warm, brilliant interpretations. This collection, composed of the great works for the cello, is a must have in any serious classical music fan's library. It is an even better collection for the "newbie" to the genre. Jacqueline du Pre was undoubtedly one of the greatest artist of the century and her passion is well documented in this collection.