Enigmavariations
Sun, May 9 2010, 11:04AM
I like Elgar very much.The symphonies,the cello-and violin concertos,Dream of Gerontius and of course the Enigmavariations.
I´m listening right now to Barenboim´s recording with the LPO on Sony.Wonderful performance.But there are lots of recordings of this piece and I would be interested to know a little bit more of them.
So,which recordings of this piece have you listened to and would recommend?
Tue, May 11 2010, 7:00PM
#2
RE: Enigma Variations
Halle/Barbirolli (EMI, rec. 1956) stands out. Secondly, LSO/Boult (EMI, rec. 1970).
Wed, May 12 2010, 11:04AM
#3
RE: Enigmavariations
The LSO/Boult recording on EMI is my favourite. I personally think the understatement brings greater clarity to the music and that the work benefits from Boult's nobility as a musician. The LSO, long one of my favourite orchestras, are on wonderful form as well, and EMI's recorded sound is excellent.
I have several recordings and enjoy all of them: Solti/VPO - the best played and recorded; Groves; Andrew Davis; Sargent (a rare '50s recording on Prism Classics) and Elgar himself. Elgar takes only 3'50" over 'Nimrod' without losing any power or emotion. Sargent's timing is the same and his reading of the whole work is remarkably passionate; a sadly underrated conductor I feel. The only interpretation I find understated to a fault is Boult's. I haven't played it for so long that I can't even check the name of the orchestra.
Adrian