Elgar's Symphony No 1
Elgar's Symphony No 1
The Gramophone Choice
Symphony No 1*. In the South, ‘Alassio’, Op 50**
London Philharmonic Orchestra / Sir Adrian Boult
Testament mono SBT1229 (69' · DDD) Recorded *1949, **1955. Buy from Amazon
The first wonder of this very welcome transfer is the astonishing quality of the sound, mono only but full-bodied and finely detailed to give a keener sense of presence than the rather disappointing CD transfer of the 1976 stereo version, with a surprisingly wide dynamic range for a 1949 recording. When Boult recorded that final stereo version, he was already 87, and though as ever the reading is a noble one, beautifully paced, it has nothing like the same thrust and tension as this recording of nearly three decades earlier. In particular, the heavenly Adagio has an extra meditative intensity in the way that Boult presents each of the great lyrical themes, and the finale has a bite and thrust far beyond that of the later account.
Boult’s recording of In the South, made in 1955, brings out his thrustful side even more strikingly, with urgent speeds giving way in the lovely ‘Canto popolare’ section to a honeyed beauty before an urgent yet finely controlled account of the coda. Sadly, the 1955 sound is shallower than that of six years earlier for the symphony, though there’s ample weight for the brass theme of the second section.
Additional Recommendations
Symphony No 1
London Symphony Orchestra / Sir Colin Davis
LSO Live LSO0017 (55' · DDD) Buy from Amazon
This thrillingly combustible account easily holds its own in the most exalted company. Davis’s is a patient, noble conception, yet lacking absolutely nothing in thrusting drama, fresh-faced character and tender poetry. Certainly, Sir Colin steers a marvellously confident course through the epic first movement, the music-making always comprehensive in its emotional scope and hitting genuine heights in the development. The Scherzo is another great success, the glinting, defiant swagger of the outer portions counterbalanced by the delectable grace and point these eloquent players lavish on the Trio. Just one small interpretative quibble: Davis’s inorganic slackening of tempo during the sublime transition into the slow movement (listen to Barbirolli’s unforgettable 1956 Hallé account to hear how it should be done).
As for the great Adagio itself, Davis’s intensely devotional approach works beautifully. The finale positively surges with purposeful bite, fire and sinew, while the glorious closing pages really do raise the roof. The expertly balanced sound doesn’t have quite the bloom that EMI and Decca achieved for Boult and Solti on their classic analogue versions but it amply conveys the tingling electricity and physical impact of a special event. At this price, this is one to snap up.
Symphony No 1. Organ Sonata No 1, Op 28 (orch Jacob)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales / Richard Hickox
Chandos CHSA5049 (78’ · DDD/DSD) Buy from Amazon
The SACD recording for this impressive Elgar First is spectacular: you really appreciate the sharpness of articulation of the Cardiff players. Hickox’s interpretation is comparably impressive, particularly so in the first movement where he has a cunning way of presenting the great Elgarian melodies simply. In the tricky transition from two in a bar to three, Hickox broadens the tempo, where others follow the composer’s example in keeping the minim beat steady; none the less, he makes that moment a magnificent climax.
Hickox’s control of such climaxes is masterly. In the Scherzo the articulation of the violins and the sharpness of attack is thrilling. In the great melodies of the slow movement Hickox tenderly brings out a songlike quality, making others seem a little studied. The delicate pianissimo as the third theme enters is breathtaking. The two great ‘gulp’ moments in the finale come at the climax of the passage where the theme of the slow introduction comes in augmentation; there Hickox comes near to matching Elgar himself in impact. Finally, he secures a superbly satisfying crescendo from the brass on the final chord.
The generous coupling adds to the attractions of the disc, an orchestration of a work which should be far better known. The qualities which make Hickox’s reading of the Symphony so impressive come out here too.
Symphonies Nos 1 & 2
Coupled with Cello Concerto. Sea Pictures. Enigma Variations. Sospiri. Serenade for Strings. Cockaigne. Falstaff. Elegy. Introduction and Allegro. Pomp and Circumstance Marches
Du Pré, Baker; Allegri Qt; LSO; Hallé; Philharmonia; New Philharmonia; Sinfonia of London / Barbirolli
EMI 095444-2 (7h 17' · ADD) Buy from Amazon
A self-recommending set that gathers all of Barbirolli’s Elgar recordings for HMV/EMI. Humanity and warmth shine from every bar, and the set is full of classic performances (including the best-selling Cello Concerto/Sea Pictures coupling). Barbirolli was one of the great Elgar interpreters and this set is a wonderful memento of his genius.
