Elgar, Edward - 5 CD: London Philharmonic Orchestra plays Elgar - London Philharmonic Orchestra

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A special relationship with the music of Edward Elgar has seen the London
Philharmonic Orchestra referred to as ‘Elgar’s Orchestra’. This comprehensive
survey of Elgar’s key orchestral music encompasses re-issues of landmark
recordings, and historic recordings conducted by, among others, the composer
himself.


Included in this five-CD set is the first release of a 1984 performance of Sea
Pictures with contralto Dame Janet Baker, conducted by Vernon Handley and
recorded live at the Royal Festival Hall; a definitive performance of the First
Symphony under the baton of former Principal Conductor of the London
Philharmonic Orchestra Sir Georg Solti (released by Decca in 1972); Paul
Tortelier’s memorable account of the Cello Concerto under another former
Principal Conductor Sir Adrian Boult (released by EMI in 1973) and a previously
unreleased CD recording of Falstaff, also conducted by Boult and rare
performances of the Elegy for String Orchestra, concert overture Froissart and an
excerpt from Three Characteristic Pieces conducted by Elgar himself. Every
conductor and artist on this collection has enjoyed a close, fruitful and critically
acclaimed association with the music of Elgar. This is a must-have collection.



What the press said:
‘A marvellous record’

Financial Times (1972) on Symphony No.1



‘Solti’s record is a deeply moving experience’

Gramophone (1972) on Symphony No.1


‘This is a magnificent performance and it is superbly recorded’

Gramophone (1973) on Cello Concerto



Penguin Guide Recommended Recordings:

Symphony No.1 (Solti) ***

Cello Concerto (Tortelier/Boult) ***

Cockaigne Overture (Solti) ***

Symphony No.2 (Handley) ***

In the South (Solti) ***

Violin Concerto (Campoli/Boult) (***)
Soloists

Paul Tortelier, cello; Alfredo Campoli, violin;

Dame Janet Baker, contralto (Sea Pictures)



Conductors

Sir Edward Elgar, Sir Landon Ronald, Sir Adrian
Boult, Sir Georg Solti, Sir Charles Mackerras,
Vernon Handley
Works
Symphonies 1& 2 | Enigma Variations | Sea
Pictures | Violin Concerto | Cello Concerto
Falstaff | The Sanguine Fan | Introduction and
Allegro | Chanson de Nuit | Chanson de Matin
Froissart Overture | Elegy for String Orchestra
Cockaigne | Contrasts from Three Characteristic
Pieces | Coronation March | Serenade for Strings